2001 timing chain noise

[standley20]

Hey guys new here but have lurked around getting info for a while. I have a 2001 4x4 auto that has 119000 miles. I bought it with cel on (p1110 and others) and a noise( like a tapping or ticking or mechanical slapping). I got solenoids replaced and a few sensors and cel is off but noise persists. I ran Seafoam and changed oil and filter in hopes to resolve it but no luck. Really need some ideas maybe timing tensioner or guides?

[ezb57e]

Welcome to the forums.
I wouldn't do much until I checked the oil pressure.
There is an oil passage in the rear timing cover that is capped with a plate and gasket.
The gaskets break and pressure is lost.
Easy check to do, and you cant work around it.

[standley20]

Thanks for the info So I see 2 inspection places on outside of motor do you mean I need to take everything off just as if im doing the timing set? What needs to be done after replace with gaskets or rtv? Thanks

[ezb57e]

No, just take out the oil pressure switch and install a gauge.
If the pressure is low, its a good chance that the gasket is broken for the passage on the rear timing cover.
The gasket is a long, paper design, and not available separately. The fix is to replace the rear timing cover (the one behind the chains).
But check the pressure first before you start tearing things apart. It may not be that.
Good luck

[standley20]

Hey guys sorry for the delay I finally got around to checking oil pressure I removed sending unit and installed my oil pressure hose and gauge and fired her up. I let the engine warmup and at idle I have around 22 psi and at 2000 rpm I have around 45 psi steady needle on both. My father in law says it sounds like a lifter "lost its prime" I dont know if this is related but when I first brought her home the light was on with p1110 and others so I replaced both solenoids cam position sensors cam angle sensors crank sensors too the light was cleared and drove sparingly for 2 days and had her inspected now light back on with 2 p1110 codes thanks

[ezb57e]

I think you have a oil supply problem as I described above.
The cam timing control system relies on oil pressure for a motive force.
If the oil pressure is low or of poor volume, the control valves don't have enough to send to the cam sprockets, and they can't respond correctly.
The sensors see this lack of response and can set a code.
The front cover has to come off to see the broken gasket, but I kinda think you are at that point.
Other blockages in the oil system are possible but rare, especially if the car has had good maintenance, and can be a major problem to resolve.
By looking at the underside of the oil fill cap or into the valve cover, you can sometimes get a sense of the interior condition of the engine.
Good luck

[standley20]

Are my pressures too low i was as trying to find what they should be but havent found it yet

so what I need to do at this point is pull timing cover off to check the inner plate gasket I did notice a little sludge thats why I ran seafoam and oil change

Thanks for the information what else do I need to check on my way into the motor

[ezb57e]

Yes, I would say they are a bit low.
The specs are silly, 14 psi at idle and 43 psi at 2000 rpm, but in reality they are considerably higher.
The broken gasket is pretty common, you have multiple oil related issues.
I think you need to look.

[eyedol911]

After 175K miles, finally my 2001 pathfinder SE (3.5L) is making timing chain noise. I am not sure if this is due to the timing chain or the tensioner/guide. Is anyone can share manual to remove the timing chain cover? So far, I don't have any other problem other than few drips of oil at the end of the crankshaft seal. Thank you very much! Any wisdom would be appreciated.

[VStar650CL]

Nico has the complete FSM for your ride. Depending whether it's an '01 or '01.5, you can find the information here:
'01: https://www.nicoclub.com/service-manual ... 1%2Fem.pdf
'01.5: https://www.nicoclub.com/service-manual ... 5%2Fem.pdf