Ok... my sohc KA is doing the rattling and im pretty sure its the infamous timing chain guide that breaks off... I went to a nissan parts and service and they asked $1400-2400 to do this and that is just insane... I would just get me an SR for that amount.

so this is my question... can i replace the guide or guides by just popping off the valve cover or am I gonna have to actually take the engine out of the car to be able to do the work?

Your help is appreciated!!!

To my knowledge (and ive actually SEEN the chain guides on a SOHC), this is usually NOT a problem with the KA24E. Someone please correct me if im wrong, but the DE's chain guides are above the cylinder head next to the cam sprockets. The SOHC's are behind the front cover (you can see them with the valve pan off, they keep tension on the timing chain, the right side is a guide only, the left is spring loaded to keep tension). Did the service dept determine that was the problem? Our rocker arms sometimes tap a lot, esp when cold. The rocker arms are also hydraulic, so if one is bad, it might cause the tapping. Another 'my god how stupid am i' place to look is your exhaust manifold. Make double certain you have all your bolts (i didnt and the 'tapping' i was hearing was exhaust leak at the head). Im just trying to make sure u pinpointed the problem. I would really hate to hear you go and spend $1400-2400 and it didnt solve your problem.

well.... the rattling i hear is definately IN the engine and sounds like something is rubbing up against the front of it.... and in the 240sx.org f.a.q. there is a section that explains the problem of the chain guides on a SOHC so this is my best guess since I am having all of the symptoms I'll pop the valve cover up and take a look...

I still havent taken a look inside the engine but.... no one has answered my question... will I be able to replace the timing chain guide with just the valve cover off or do I need other things to be taken out so that I can work on it?

don't you know i registered here to get at this question.anyway-no you can leave the engine in the car. youre gona want to replace the tensioner too. do it soon cuz you cam timing will start to drift.

i'm in the middle of this exact repair. my chain ate into the cooling duct so now the project is on hold till the local dealer can get my new timing cover:rolleyes $85. if i were you i'd get the whole kit from http://www.autopartsworld.comfor $160...+shipping($10 next day)you can do the job your self with a few tools and patience use thishttp://www.240sx.org/links/ins....html

if you have any more questions just holla

KA24E has to have the frt. timing cover taken off to replace the guides and chian. I suggest doing the gears at the same time.You can purchase aftermarket chain and gear sets with the updated guides for around $100-$130. Also be careful not to drive it in this condition to long because the chain will cut into the timing cover and wear through the water jacket in the cover and dump water into the oil. This will require replacement or welding to correct. The worst that could happen is bending valves or punching holes in the pistons if the timing chain jumps or breaks. It should be able to be done for around $800-$900 with factory parts. I would love to do them all day and get $2400.

where can i get the aftermarket chain and gear sets, I would love to have this done since im already in the process of tearing my engine apart to replace the broken guide.

I just had the chains, cam gears and all essential items replaced using a kit from http://www.courtesyparts.com. They sell a timing chain kit w/ everything you need for the SOHC and DOHC. All Nissan parts w/ warranty. Had local speed shop do the work. Nice and quiet now. They also sell NISMO parts and mods for the SOHC. I had a valve job done while it was apart. The only problem I have now is the timing is a little off and wants to shut off coming to idle. If you can afford it get it done. You may want to think about upgrading the engine while it is all apart, pistons,rings etc.. labor is the major cost factor.

P.S. I have the old gears and chain and they are very worn. Good luck. 93 DOHC 108,000miles 5speed For Production Date:July 1988 to March 1989 You get everything listed below: $247.84 For Production Date:March 1989 to July 1990 You get everything listed below: $249.02

3 Drive Belts Timing Chain 13028-00005 $39.11 Timing Chain Guide - Tension Side 13085-00002 $9.12 » Timing Chain Guide-Slack Side For Production July 1988 to March 1989 13091-00002 $9.29 Timing Chain Guide-Slack Side For Production March 1989 to July 1990 13091-00003 $9.77 Timing Chain Guide - Tension Side Bolt 13075-00002 $1.55 Timing Chain Guide - Tension Side Bolt 13094-00001 $0.51 Water Hose 14055-00004 $2.03 » Add One(1) To Basket Water Pump Assembly 21010-00004 $66.74 Front Crankshaft Oil Seal 13510-00002 $5.37 Front Cover Oil Seal 15066-00002 $3.95 Front Cover Oil Seal 15066-00005 $2.77 Timing Chain Tensioner 13070-00005 $56.69 Thermostat 21200-00005 $9.90 Silicone Gasket 999MP-00001 $15.98