Hi all,

So I have a stock KA-powered 99 altima that has a bad timing chain tensioner. The car has 233k miles on it and I'm planning on rebuilding the engine, but I'm not sure how far into it I want to go. Originally I just wanted to put all new timing chain components, and then just basic maintenance like spark plugs/belts/valve cover gasket, etc.

With that many miles, would I be better off doing a full rebuild? or maybe just a top end/head gasket job?

Just go done doing a leak down test. Results:

#1 = 7.5% leakage
#2 = 8.5%
#3 = 12%
#4 = 9%

And this was done with the engine COLD so I'm assuming they would be even better with a warm engine. I didn't want to run it with the loose timing chain just to get it warm (not worth it jumping time IMO).

So based on those numbers, I'm not going to tear the whole engine apart, just the timing chain assembly, water pump, valve stem seals, etc.