easier timing chain fix?

[sucker4stalefish]

is it possible to just attach a new chain to the old one and just fish the new one through? a mechanic friend of mine told me this is how he replaces most of the chains on older american cars.

[s13EastTN]

Not really needed, taking the tensioner/guides off isn't really hard anyways, and I beleive that the chain isn't capable of being taken apart and turned into one long chain, instead of a loop. It is a P.I.T.A. but it is very possible to chaing all of it out without too much effort.

Also remember that you will want to keep everything at TDC, and you would have to put the car in neutral to do this. You will have to also take the top chain off to do this, and turning the crank pully while there is no chain on top isn't the greatest idea in the world. I would just take my time and do it the right way teh first time, and not have to worry about it later.

[sucker4stalefish]

but its just so damn time consuming...

[s13EastTN]

Then pay a shop to do it. I'm just saying all shops around here wanted about $1100, and I got the parts for about $250, with about $75 in tools taht I can use later(and I will). So thats basically a savings up upwards of $775. Now consider that it will take you about 15 hours without any snags or major problems, and you will see that you sorta pay yourself $50 an hour to fix it yourself, compared to paying the shop to do it, and possibly do it wrong, or not even all the way(not replacing some parts that need to be replaced).

But if you have the money and no worries, by all means take it too the shop.

[KDashy]

Wow 1100.

I'm not too familair with timing chains but I assume that it doenst require as much maintainance if any compared to a car that uses a timing belt

My old accord has its timing belt snap on the freeway and I had it changed at a shop for 100 bucks.

[s13EastTN]

Changing a timing chain is just only slightly more involved in changing a belt, as the same sort of stuff has to be done. However, parts are more expensive when you change the chain, as they are built stronger to last longer.

The only reason people are afriad of this swap is because they see all the stuff you have to take off, but frankly, taking stuff off is easy, putting stuff back on is the hard part.

[burnin240sx]

i don't see how it takes 15 hours to chan the timing chan. i was able to replace my chain in 1 after noon.

[rousie13]

The only reason people are afriad of this swap is because they see all the stuff you have to take off, but frankly, taking stuff off is easy, putting stuff back on is the hard part.

Isn't that the truth.

[MattAnonymous]

Is it possible to do the chain swap with the engine in the car? Are there any special tools needed?

[burnin240sx]

Yes, I know because I did it option 1 of course.

You can do it one of 2 ways

1. Use a cherry picker to support the engine and lift it up just enough so you can pull the pan and loosen the oil bolts.

2. Jack up the engine by the front of the crank where the pulley is bolted to. For some reason I didn't like the sound of this option but people have done it without problems.

[s13EastTN]

i jacked mine up by the bellhousing.

[s13sr20chris]

option 3:(the dealership option) dont mess with oil pan. pull cover, leave pan, and do chain. you have to have a gentle touch but she will come off with the pan on.

[MattAnonymous]

Wasn't Nissan considering this for a recall? Is there anyway that nissan would do it for free?

[s13EastTN]

KA24E might come off with the pan on, but I can almost guarantee that you will not get the cover off of a DE without lossening the oil pan.

[s13sr20chris]

KA24E might come off with the pan on, but I can almost guarantee that you will not get the cover off of a DE without lossening the oil pan.

you know, i think your right. i was thinking of an e. now that i think of it, i cant remember if i have been pulling pans for the de's or not. shoot.

[burnin240sx]

yes you need to pull the pan on the de. i know cause i did it like 4 weeks ago.

[s13EastTN]

The main trouble I had was that I relied on the E's timing chain guide on 240sx.org, which is right for teh most part expect for how the oil pump/oil pan are handled. btw getting those oil pan bolts back on are a *****.

[burnin240sx]

The main trouble I had was that I relied on the E's timing chain guide on 240sx.org, which is right for teh most part expect for how the oil pump/oil pan are handled. btw getting those oil pan bolts back on are a *****.

with a nice wigler it is very easy. tape on a really loose wigler socket helps too.s13eastTN we should meet up some time and check out eachothers cars. or something. did you goto the mountain run the other week?

[s13EastTN]

Nope, cars stuck up on jack stands getting the timing chain replaced. If you want you can come on down and help me finish off putting all this stuff back on my engine I think I have you on aim, i'll IM ya some time.

[Veritas]

I just recently started having problems with my timming chain, its seems to be makeing a lot of noise. Unforntately i am low on funds at the moment so i was wondering if I need to worry about chaning it soon or if is going to cause any permanent damage?

[burnin240sx]

well if it breaks you risk the chance of breaking a valve while the pistion's are still moving when the cams stop.

[s13sr20chris]

how loud of a noise is it? sometimes they go a long time; sometimes they dont.

[Veritas]

The noise is loud enough to hear outside of the carr with the hood down, it sounds like it is rubbing something, metal on metal. I am hoping to be able to squeeze enough miles out of it so i can wait for the funds to rebuild my engine. I have been driving a little easier lately hoping that will help but im not sure. Thanxs

[s13EastTN]

metal on metal is pretty bad. I would at least take off teh valve cover and maybe the top cover and take a look if you can. If you see really bad signs of wear I wouldn't drive it.

[s13sr20chris]

metal shavings in oil?

[Veritas]

I have looked at the oil for shavings, i cant see any but my oil gets dirty in less that two months and i use mobil 1 full synthetic. Im afraid to take the valve cover off because i might need a new head gasket. Thanx though

[burnin240sx]

a valve cover gasket is like 10 bucks it's workth the look to save the cost of a new engine

[Veritas]

thanx, i will make sure i get one before i start poking around but i will definetly look at that soon. Another problem i an noticing is that when i am climbing a hill in 5th gear, and i give it gas, the engine feels like it looses power, like it is getting a little less gas than it should. I have a full tank and i always run 91 octane. Any ideas? Also i know the fuel filter is fine, i all ready check that and my compression is up there around 190 for all 4 cylinders.

[s13EastTN]

Loss of power is another common thing when your chains/tensioners are about to go, because your cams don't have slack on them to keep them in perfect time, so they sorta bounce around a tad bit and causes a loss in power.

[s13sr20chris]

yeah, believe it or not i have seen loose chains jump time under load and then jump back! that sounds crazy and most people dont believe me but it was confirmed by the lead tech at my shop and nissan techline says they have seen it too.