New ride on the cheap Altima won't turn

[trixman]

Hey all, I'm new to the forum! As you can imagine I need help diagnosing a problem.

Picking up a 99 Altima SE in good condition leather, moonroof, alloy wheels 5 speed...etc. You name it its got all the goobies.

Trouble is... it's got engine issues. Its one owner told me that he had been hearing a noise "like a leaf in a glass jar" for sometime. Then one day he was stopped at a light and the engine stopped. Just like that and would not start.

He feels that he needed a timing chain and colateral damage work.

It has been sitting since January. Finally he got tired of looking at it and that is where I can in.

I am having it towed home today and I am going to start TSing it.

He may be right about what it needs but things do not add up....

It's only got 113k , does not look like the type of guy that beat on it or neglected OCs.

Could it be something simpler?

[WWJD]

you wont know till you get in her. open her up and see what doen' look right and go from there. sounds like motor issue. timen' chain might of gave way

[trixman]

I bought it the other day and have it in my garage. I am doing just that. I pulled the VC and does not look good. I see dry hard sludge. Also there is an oil leak that slung oil onto the belt. The crankcase is full and there is no active leak. Maybe a front seal?

It looks like a candidate for a full rebuild...more later.