HELP! KA24DE Lower Timing Cover Damage

[schredder]

I apologize for the cross posting..

Greetings,

I am working on a 1998 Nissan Altima. The lower timing chain broke and in the process has damaged what the manual calls the stoppers on the lower timing chain cover. I describe them as the three? aluminum fingers or posts that are cast into the lower cover that go underneath the crank sprocket. The manual says they are there to keep the chain from disengaging the sprocket.

These aluminum fingers, stoppers, or posts are pretty well chewed up. My question is... does just the spring tension of the chain tensioner provide enough tension to keep the chain from jumping timing before enough oil pressure is created?

I have talked to a couple of mechanics.. I can't seem to get a straight answer if it will be okay just to put it back together with the damaged lower timing cover.

One mechanic told me those stoppers or fingers are there in the case of engine kick back or backfire...

Bottom line, should I try and locate a used cover? A new one is out of the question at $450.

Thanks,

Chris

[SpeedmanRC]

I've been told they hold the lower chain in place...to say if you where to loosen it for head work or something...so you don't have to remove more then you have to. keep it tight to the crank sprocket.