240 sxnew timing chain- now engine runs rough

[chuvard]

I had a new timing chain put in my 1990 240 sx a couple of months ago. Now the engine runs rough and the lifters or rocker arms have started to make noise. There is also a subtle rattle coming from the area of the engine, but it doesn't sound like the chain did when it started going bad. This is more like a speedometer cable, but different ( I know that doesn't make much sense!). Does anyone have any ideas about whether the problems could be stemming from the installation of the timing chain. The mechanic is meticulous and he said he notched the position of the distributor when he took out the old chain. I'm just worried that somehow it got installed wrong and now everything is going bad. The car never ran rough before in 190,000 miles. It didn't even run rough when I decided to have the chain replaced. The chain had just started to rattle and we decided to go ahead and preemptively replace it. I baby the car and want to drive it forever.

[Valett85]

my 93 just hit 190000 a while ago and it is starting to run rough. i didnt replace the timing chain yet though it is needed. maby it is just dew to the millage. but i'd check the timing. if he retarded it or advanced it even a little it will make the engine run a little ruff.

[chuvard]

Thanks. I think I found the problem. Apparently they didn't put enough oil back in the car after they replaced the timing chain. Since the timing chain tensioner is based on oil pressure, I decided to look at the oil and found it was way too low. Added oil and the problem seems to have improved. I'm going to change out the oil and make sure it is at capacity. Also, they put in a 5w30 and I've always used a 10w30. Don't know if this would make any kind of difference, but I'm going back to the Nissan spec.