Looking for VE30DE VTC assembly

[lunchie]

I have a 92 maxima with the VE30DE engine. I got it cheap b/c it was making a top engine noise. Previous owner said it was the timing chain. I did some online research and decided to start with cleaning out the tensioners which went smoothly but the sound remains. I removed the valve cover again and found the vtc assembly at the end of the intake camshaft way out of line pulling the top timing chain toward the from of the engine. So much so that the VTC assembly has made wear marks on the valve cover and the front cover. I also notice that this VTC assembly is missing a cap that is on the other VTC assembly. At this point I'm hoping that if I can install the missing cap my problems will be solve.

Any input would be soooo appreciated. And even more so if anyone has a old vtc assembly that would be willing to part with this cap I would be super stoked. (I know it's a long shot right )

Many Thanks

[Chris92SE]

Find the cap and see what damage it has done. It is in the engine somewhere and it probably screwed something up.

I have seen pics of a couple caps coming off and it caused catastrophic damage to the engine (not rebuildable).

You should be able to find random engine parts like that at a U-Pull-It, if you can find a 92-94 SE. Usually you find a lot of VGs.

I wouldn't turn the engine over until you find all of the parts. I kind of doubt you will be able to use that engine for long, but it might be possible.

If you are doing things cheap and want to try and fix that engine, I don't have spare VTCs of any kind, but I think I have a set of (used) good chains still. I took out my original engine with 140k and installed a JDM. You can have them for the cost of shipping.

Chris

I am Cliff Clavin on maxima.org I think I saw you posted something similar on there, too.