98 Frontier - Slack in upper timing chain

[cali98]

Howdy Folks,

I need some advice on the upper timing chain on my 98 Nissan Frontier. After reinstalling the lower and upper timing chains, the upper timing chain seems to have some slack. I started this project back in 9/08, so I don't remember if this is what the chain looked like when I removed it.

Does this look normal for an upper timing chain:

Thanks for your help.

[CPS]

It's missing the chain tensioner, which should bolt into the holes on the left side of your picture.

[cali98]

Thanks CPS,

I removed the tensioner so I could rotate the chain around to see if the chain may have been stretched.

Even with the upper tensioner installed I still have the slack. When I rotate the the crank shaft around, the tensioner will move in and out. The slack will rotate around the gears so you can have the slack on top or on the right side.

Any thoughts?