Ka24de clicking noise at idle, Big Deal?

[nightheron]

I just recently got a '91 240sx with a ka24de motor. When it's idling it makes kind of a clicking or ticking noise in the front of the motor that goes away as soon as rpms go up alittle. It's more than just the injectors clicking. I assume that it's the timing chain or timing chain guides. Is this a big deal or just a common thing with the ka24de that's just an annoying little noise?

[sx moneypit]

It is probably the upper chain guide.It is a common problem on KAde engines.Check the 240 tech pages,there is writeup on how to remove them.

[nightheron]

Thanks for the reply. The thing that I was concerned about is if this is a major problem that will affect the performance and life of the motor and has to be repaired soon or just the guide making noise that will keep making noise for year and not really hurt anything. I had a '90 240sx with a single cam motor in which the timing chain made noise when you started it up at times. With that one it was not a big deal, it doesn't affect the motor, even the at the nissan dealership they told me not to worry about it.

[sx moneypit]

It is more of an annoyance than anything.I have had some Altimas in the shop and their owners have said they had been making that noise for years.Removing the upper chain guides was the first thing i did to my car after i bought it.The repair is easy to do and you will enjoy your car more if you do it.