How diffifcult is a timing job for a beginner?

[Mangudai]

Changing out the timing chain and related parts. Im planning to buy this http://www.courtesyparts.com/b..._7648&

I mean, the most ive done was Install a new alternator, Tune Up, Replaced the belts and a few other misc things. I'd have to buy a few tools but I don't need to drive my car right now so I could take my time. What do you say? Should I buy the timing kit and have at it or send it to the dealership.
Modified by Mangudai at 2:25 PM 3/10/2009

[numbnuts240]

download the FSM and go to town. you have to learn one way or another.

[Xj220gt]

I am a beginner and I changed my timing chain.

before I did that, I had not known much at all about my car. Now I just keep learning and learning.

It is not very difficult at all to change the actuall timing chain, it just sucks getting there.

quick run down of the process:

VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure you set your engine to TBD compression.check out the tech section of nico for a guide on fixing your timing chain rattle. it has pictures as to how to set to TBD, mark your distributor, take off valve cover, and sproket cover.

- You have to take off your oil pan (maybe not take off, but at least unscrew and unseal.)

- you have to take off your clutch fan, your pulleys, your intake. (try not to turn any of the pulleys or the cams because it will mess with your timing and TBD)

- take off your valve cover, then your sprocket cover.

- take off some accessories that get in the way (not a big deal. maybe not even take off, just loosen up enough to move out of the way.)

- take off lower timing chain cover.

-change chain.

Be sure to get car manual which you can download for free from 240edge.com and get a torque wrench that supports up to 160lbs. follow all the torque specs.

all in all, it is not very difficult at all, it is just time consuming. It is a great learning experience though! If you have any questions, you can always ask anyone here at NICO, but make sure you search for the answer first.... people like to bish about that.

I say go for it. you will feel much better knowing more about your car.
Modified by Xj220gt at 8:40 AM 3/10/2009

[sebazztard]

if you have replaced your belts before, you are only a handful of steps away tbh. i think the hardest part is getting over your own fears and realizing its just nuts and bolts, something i fight with too often. theres a s*** ton of resources online if you cant visually figure out whats up.

[S13_love]

i think the hardest part is getting over your own fears and realizing its just nuts and bolts, something i fight with too often.

I agree with this guy... Imo, just do a little research first too btw.

[2ndnissan]

Keep track of all the nuts and bolts and where they go as you take it apart. Baggies help with this. Some of the bolts are longer than others and need to go back in the right spots. You'll need a jack and some stands probably if you don't have those. A breaker bar and 24 and 27mm sockets help too. Go for it! Sure beats paying someone else $300 or more to do it.....

[slyedog240sx]

First off it is your accesibility to a garage and tools.Second is to have a family member or friend to be around if you run into snags.Third you need to study the fsm well and get an idea of everything you need.The cylinder head needs to be romoved as well.Plan on $150 in machine work to it as well.There are people who say the head doesn't need to come off.That is a half assed way to do it ,and i recommend to do as the fsm says.

[Xj220gt]

Why would the head need to be removed? and why would it be half assed if not?

[slyedog240sx]

http://www.240edge.com/manuals/91-94_240sx/em.pdf Anything the fsm refers to that is that major of a job should be followed or you are half assing it.READ the book before commenting.

[KillTheApex]

Not sure if you meant adjust timing or change the timing chain.

[amolao]

Yeah, what they said.....and plan for the worst. Make sure you can leave the car park for extra time in case you run into issues. Like broken bolts, missing hardware,etc....

[Mangudai]

Not sure if you meant adjust timing or change the timing chain.

My bad, I mean the timing chain and its related parts.

[Xj220gt]

I have read the book and I have changed my timing chain without having to remove the head. My engine is running strong, not a single problem whatsoever. I agree with you though that I did half a** it by not following the book exactly, but it did save me a lot of time.

I was just wondering if there was a purpose to removing it besides changing the chain, becase it is definitely possible to change it without taking the head off.

[slyedog240sx]

I have read the book and I have changed my timing chain without having to remove the head. My engine is running strong, not a single problem whatsoever. I agree with you though that I did half a** it by not following the book exactly, but it did save me a lot of time.

I was just wondering if there was a purpose to removing it besides changing the chain, becase it is definitely possible to change it without taking the head off.

Did you do the whole set or only the upper chain?My understanding is for one, the headgasket has a tongue that goes out that seals the upper and lower cover that MAY compromise compression.Second with most chain driven engines the milage is high enough that when you are half way into it why not do the head gasket anyway to ensure much longer engine life.

[Xj220gt]

I replaced the entire thing, not just the cam chain. It does make sense that taking the head off to have some work done to it would help prolong your engine life, but to take it off just to put it back on? and as far as the gasket and compression, as long as you dont bend the s*** out of the gasket part that is sticking out, you should be fine.

either way, I wouldnt consider it a necessity to take the head off.