Chunk of plastic in my engine. Is it a timing part?

[znimtz]

Im not new to cars, but I recently bought an 89 240sx with 128k miles, a/t and a KA24E motor. I drove it a few times on short trips and had no problems, I got on the highway one day and drove about 20 miles before the temp went way up and I pulled over to cool and then limped it home (i was about a mile away from my house) So anyway, I checked the oil dipstick and it was a nasty yoohoo substance. Anti-freeze in the oil obviously. First thing that came to mind was a head gasket. So I bought one and popped off the valve cover TO FIND THIS!?:







I heard something the about KA24DE having timing guide/tensioner problems but this is a KA24E, so I am having trouble finding anyone with the same problem. I looked into the head and across from the chain tensioner is just a metal guide that looks like its missing the plastic from around it? ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT! I have been searching all over but cant find much on the KA24E, let alone a 1989. I am thinking I need to compression test the cylinders, and determine if its a blown head gasket, then figure out what the plastic part is? My luck its probably something drastic. Thanks for the help

[3Q Jay]

well, you are missing the slack side tensioner (guide) so it's likely. rest might be clogging your oil pump pickup.looks like a choc milkshake brewing inside there, though.

[znimtz]

how would the guide cause the leak? I'm missing how this all happened... and how/what do i have to do to get it fixed.

[3Q Jay]

not saying the guide caused your leak. but you have multiple problems. if you want to salvage it, i'd pull the engine, and throw a rod and crank bearing kit in and do a full re-seal. of course that assumes your leak is not cracked block or head and the head is resurfaceable.head gaskets don't blow for no reason.make sure you clean all the busted bits of the plastic guide out of the oil pump pickup.

[znimtz]

What would be some reasons that a head gasket would blow? I want to prevent this from happening again. it causes pain in my nightmares for pete sake

[3Q Jay]

usually an overheat.18 years is a long time to maintain as new OEM spec conditions.how is thermostat?is there air in system? corrosion evidence?what is condition of radiator passages?does the fan clutch do it's job (cardbaord test)

[NM50]

The timing chain guide is gone.This lets the chain cut into the water pump passage in the timing cover.Pull the cover and look at the inside of the cover.

[znimtz]

You were right NM50! Thanks for all the help guys!