Engine /trans Issues

[allenzachary]

98 Altima 5 speed manual 4 cyl 2.4 170,000

On Friday my wife's Altima suffered a meltdown. The motor statted making clattering noises and the transmission slips out of gear and the engine revs high.

I narrowed the clattering noises to the front (transverse mounted engine...the "front" is on the passenger side) and I believe the noise is coming form the timing chain slapping against the guide, which is positioned at the top of the chain, just under the valve cover. I imagine that the timing chain tensioner has given it up. Comments?

The real mystery to me is why the transmission slips out gear. Are the problems related/same? What would cause the the transmission to suddenly disengage?

Also, my mechanic is several miles away. Would driving the car in this condition cause further problems?

All advice welcome.

Thanks in advance....

Allenzachary