Is My Timing Chain OEM?

[Chris28]

I'm tearing apart a built engine to replace the head gasket and re-do the rod bearings, while it's apart I'm replacing what I can with OEM parts. The upper timing chain has a painted yellow link for the idler sprocket mark and darker links for the cam marks. I checked Courtesy Part's website and the picture of the upper timing chain matches mine, but it's possible that it's a generic photo and/or non-oem chains also have painted yellow and dark links.

Also, what is the difference between the new and old timing chain guides? I'm reading that the new guides are completely metal backed, whereas the old ones are mainly plastic, but there is no confirmation. I have yet to take my lower timing cover off to check my guides, would they have Nissan stamped into them if they are OEM? Thanks.

-Chris

[krash]

I recently installed a clevite upper timing chain on my ka, and it had the yellow link for a timing mark, so I'm assuming you have a clevite on there now? my factory one didn't even have such a visible mark, I had to clean the chain to find it.

I assume the new guides are metal backed. My friend is rebuilding his KA and his new timing guide is metal back. I was jealous.

[Chris28]

Here's the picture from Courtesy's web site, looks like the Clevite one you described. I'll call Courtesy after class today and see if they can answer my questions. I peeked into the lower timing cover and it looks like my timing chain guides are completely metal-backed, I know this engine got a new timing chain kit when it was rebuilt but I'd prefer it to be OEM.