Metal chain guides in a 1991 q45

[Infinitiguy19]

I have a 1991 q45 and I have yet to change the timing guides which are plastic. Infiniti. but can I put metal guides from a 1993 q45 or will it just not work?

[maxnix]

If you find a verifiably original 1993 with metal camshaft timing chain guides from the factory, please let us know as it would be the first.

[Q451990]

The fix is to put metal-backed guides used in the 94-96 Q45. There is considerable debate on if some '93 models got the new guides, which is Brian's point.

Most people buy new guides from Infiniti to install, but I suppose you could pull used ones from an old engine... lots of work to save a couple hundred $$. There is one report from long ago at T3 where a plastic portion of the updated guide on a '94 - '96 came loose, but I have only heard of one case. The point is not to scare the 94+ owners, but to point out that these are wear items... the chain rubs on them every minute the engine is running - so used may not be the best plan.

Heath

[jamesmost]

If you find a verifiably original 1993 with metal camshaft timing chain guides from the factory, please let us know as it would be the first.

what?????????????

[Q45tech]

When people actually paid to have guides checked we would find half done jobs where the driverside was metal backed and passengerside was still plastic.

Research found that a few dealerships in Florida were doing just the D slack side guides............in fact Byron came from one such N FLA dealership where the quick, sloppy, and dirty was standard proceedure or so he said.

We modified his QSD proceedures to arrive at what NICO usually recommends since 2000: all new guides, new oil chain and a new oil guide based on the wear we typically found in late 90's.

[szh]

what?????????????

Maxnix's point is that we still have not cleanly confirmed that a factory original 1993 model year Q45 engine had the metal guides. If we can get one confirmed sighting, that would be good to know.

Z

[Infinitiguy19]

Ok so to clarify if i take metal chain guides form ANY YEAR Q45 that has a VH45 DE in it will they fin onto my 1991 q45?

[Rex]

Ok so to clarify if i take metal chain guides form ANY YEAR Q45 that has a VH45 DE in it will they fin onto my 1991 q45?

Yes

[Haitian_King]

Yes, but it may be best to get brand new parts as opposed to the used ones. First you'd have to locate a 94-96, pull off the front cover, remove the donor guides, inspect their condition, and still not be 100% sure that they won't give out.

Whereas, you may spend a little extra for brand new ones, but you're saving yourself the time, effort, and gaining peace of mind. Not a bad trade-off IMO.

[maxnix]

HK is a quick learner.

Why flog yourself?