KA24E timing chain problem

Forum for the Xterra, Frontier and Hardbody, the smaller workhorses of the Nissan lineup!
dlbdist
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Jun 08, 2007 5:32 am
Car: 1996 Nissan Hardbody 4X4 King Cab 4 cyl 5 sp

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I bought a used 96 Nissan Hardbody 4X4 4 cyl kingcab with 140k on it. I took it to a dealer for a tuneup, you know, to get it checked out. They said the timing chain needs replaced for $1450 because its worn and makes rattling sound at idle. I opened up the filler cap on valve cover and pushed on the chain and it seems really tight.How do I know if it needs replaced or is there any other things that can be done? If I do need to replace it, what needs to be removed to change it? I read a Haynes manual and it sounds like the oil pan and 2 crossmembers need removed plus jacking up the differential. Is this nightmare for real? Please help I need it for vacation at the end of June to tow my boat. Thanks much any help will be appreciated.


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Big-Bird
Posts: 684
Joined: Thu Aug 03, 2006 4:41 pm
Car: 2000 Xterra on 'Roids & 2004 Quest SL

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IF you are comfortable with engines you can do this yourself....but read that Haynes manual section thouroughly.

There is a hydraulic tensioner device that applys pressure to the chain when the engine is running. But as the guides wear down the effectiveness of this tensioner is reduced because it can only travel so far.

I read the same stuff as you in the Haynes Manual and it's not that bad to do. In my case I just loosened the oil pan when I did mine so I had enough room to get the timing cover off and back in with out wrecking the head gasket. I also had some blue RTV silicone to make sure the pan gasket would not leak once I got it back together. I didn't have any leaks afterwards either. Drove the truck for another year before I sold it.



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