I need help with two things, guys!! Please read.

[JD-S14]

Ok, I know most basics when it comes to car maintenance....but Im hearing sounds from the engine that I havent heard before.

Sound #1- When car is at idle, and NO lights are on.....the car sounds fine. But when I turn the lights on, it almost sounds as if theres a slight squeaking coming from somewhere. Could this be the alternator? Because Ive also noticed that when theres a lot of power being pulled.....(i.e. lights, defroster, stereo, etc etc)....the lights are somewhat dim until I give the car some gas. Then the lights get brighter. So am I right in saying its the alt?

Sound #2- Then one that REALLY has me concerned. When I opened the hood to check out sound #1, I heard a slight "grinding" noise coming from under the valve cover. Could this be the infamous timing chain guides going out on me? Its sort of a grinding/clicking noise. Other than that, my cars purrs like a kitten. How long will this be ok to drive like this?

I love my 240 too much to let it go south on me. Are my assessments right? If you guys have advise as too how to fix these things myself, Im up for it. If not, I guess Ill have to hit the local Nissan dealer and take one up the backside to get it fixed. There arent any "import" mechanics here in this little po-dunk town.

Thanks for any help guys, I appreciate it.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Sound #1 is your alternator belt. its loose, all you have to do to tighten it is loosen the alternator pivot bolt, and turn the adjustment bolt clockwise. it shouldnt be too hard to figure out if you look at it long enough, sound #2 probably is your timing chain guide. you could remove it, mine does it too, i take that as an early warning that the timing chain is starting to go so im probably gonna get the whole thing redone.

[nolaws4evr]

i dont believe you can remove the guide on the s14, only s13 from what I understand. actually I think you can only remove it on the ka24e, not the de as the assembly is completely different. also, I happen to have a whole timing chain kit for sale in the BST section if any of you are interested.

Josh

[JD-S14]

If the timing chain guide is what is making the grinding/clicking noise.....and I need a timing chain kit, how much is it and how hard is it to replace it? Im not really car stupid, Ive just never had to do this before.

Thanks for the helps so far....

Brad

[groundhogday1976]

The S13 KA24DE has an upper timing chain guide which can be removed by taking off the valve cover and removing the two 12mm bolts that hold it on. IIRC, somewhere I read the upper guide was deleted on S14s. But I also thought that the crappy guides and tensioners were improved on later S14s. Is the sound toward the front of the valve cover?

[JD-S14]

Yes it is. My car is a '98 240, the last year they were sold stateside.....so I guess the guides werent that much improved. LOL

I need more thoughts on what I should/could do guys. Time is of the essence.

Thanks, Brad

[180fan]

get the timing chain job done. Nissan may also have released a revision to the timing chain since you've got your car. On the SOHC, there were several revisions in the design, the first that resulted in a recall and the second one that I am aware of is the current design for the chain. Might want to check your local dealership about the timing chain kit and also if there were any revisions to the design since.