fixing timing chain

[D1SR240]

Guys i know this has been discussed alot but i want to fix the timing chain rattle. I just want to know what exactly do i have to replace? just the chain and the guides? or anything else. and where could i get these parts for the cheapest?

[Silvia007]

RIP off the top chaing guide.

[D1SR240]

is that it?

[jgtc_s14]

yeah how do you ripp off the top guide tensioner what does it look like anyone have any pics?

this seems to be a common problem with ka's

[p00t]

KA24DE:

take off valve cover then take off front upper cover.

facing front of engine, remove the top guide, and the guide on the right side.

leave the tensioner (left side) in place. it is not the cause of the rattle.

bolt everything back up, rattle = gone.

[dubstyles240]

i took of my top guide and it still rattles. even if i take the left guide off, and the rattle goes away... isnt that just hiding the problem? The chain is still bad, it just wont make the sound.

Is there any quick inspection of the chain that I can do while the valve cover/upper cover are off?

[Wraith]

If the upper guide removal did not clear up the rattle problem then you have one or two problems if not both (1.) one or both of your tensioners are bad. (2.) the chain is worn and needs replacement. Usually though the culprit is the upper guide. I removed it from all three 240's me and my wife have owned. In fact wifes 240 (totalled 'sigh') had one of the bolts from the guide just boucing around under the 2 cam gears, lol that caused some serious rattling .

[Nissangirl]

Hi,You seem to know a lot about timing chains - and I know absolutely nothing! I have a 240 sx '96 with 130,000 on the clock. One guy told me I needed a new chain to fix the recent rattling I've been hearing. But a issan guy on the phone told me it's unlikely it's worn out as they are built to outlast the car! Any thoughts as I can't get anyone to see it until after the weekend - and the quote for $1100 has me scared. Is there any other option it could be??

[180fan]

Chains last a while and have never been the culprit from the chain jobs I've done. It's always been the guides that get worn down and cause the rattle from breaking or being too old and worn down.

[slipnfall]

Ditto what they said. It is unlikely that you will ever have to replace a chain due to it breaking or wearing. Over time, a chain will stretch slightly, however a proper working tensioner will make up for this slack. When you took your top guide off, was it all chewed up? Since the rattle remains I suspect your tensioner may be sticking... Does the rattle go away after it's warmed up?

-Slip