SOHC Timing chain guides

[ljbrown184]

Alright, I am getting fed up with these stupid *** guides I am about to go crazy...

I have already replaced them once three years ago, and they broke again, actually just the driver's side did this time but I will probably try and replace them both again.

Only thing is, the way I did it before, was not exactly the way I have been told how to do it. I have been told that the only way to get those damn guides on there correct is to pull the front of the motor...Does anyone know if this is actually correct or not?

The way I did it...I cut just enough of the bottom bolt hole away to slide it around the existing bolt, then....very very gently slid the guide into place and somehow managed to get the upper bolt in the hole and thread it tight...BTW...THAT WAS A ***** TO DO!!

Also, I have seen the write up about the DOHC, but the pictures are nothing like the SOHC...so, does anyone know how to replace these dammed things without pulling my motor? If that is even possible? If not, I am forced to do it the way I did it before...which means it will probably break in three years.

Any type of information about this subject would be very much appreciated.

[Vegascorbin]

The only way to do it right is by removeing the timing cover. You do not need to pull the motor to do this. I dont know the link but if you check the tech pages you will find a How-To for the SOHC. I had never done a timing chain before and followed instructions blilndly and had no problems. I took my time and spend 2 evenings but you probabluy could do it in a few hours if you know your way around a tool box

[ljbrown184]

Ok, this might be a stupid question, but the valve cover, and the timing cover are the same thing correct?

[Vegascorbin]

No. Valve cover is on the top of the engine and the timing coveris on the front where the water pump is.

[ljbrown184]

Yeah, I got it...it looks like I will have a fun filled weekend...hoooray!

Thanks for the help!

[ljbrown184]

Ok...before I do this...according to the FSM...I need to remove the oil pan, which means I need to pull the motor....

[Vegascorbin]

The instructions we followed which I refered to above only required us to remove 4 pan bolts and loosen 2 others.

Our guides were really bad and had fallen into the oil pan. We did support the motor from above but did not pull it when we removed the oil pan to get the old guides out. PIA to do but can be done without pulling the motor.

[vancouverbc]

this might help a bit..

zerothread/220814

there is a tutorial on the dohc bracket but the pics are gone . see tutorial in my signature.
Modified by vancouverbc at 4:13 AM 3/8/2008

[ELdrifto]

don't pull the motor, I just did my buddy's s13 and its not that complicated. Pull the valve cover, timing cover,removing the fan makes it esier, and the belt tensioner. alternator,manifold collector supports and distibutor. If your only doing the top half then its a cake walk. The bottom half gets tricky cuz its harder to manuver and esier to drop something. Since your there you might as well do your tensioners and see if your chain stetched cuz thats what happens over time of abuse. Sometimes its the upper tensioner and guide that are the real noise makers cuz the plastic wears of the tensioner. You might also want to chage sprockests and seals to elongate the life of the motor. And don't forget about gaskets, and some RTV black(its best on the oily parts of the motor). I did the whole timing kit with sprockets, tensioners, guides, seals, gaskets, chain, and tdc timing in 3 1/2 to 4 hours with a snack and a couple smoke breaks.

[ELdrifto]

And by only doing guides isn't gonna stop the noise and rattle, it will postpone it. for about 15 to 20 thousand miles. Doe the whole thing, you'll get alot of throttle response back, and a few horses with better fuel economy. If you there then spend the extra time. Oh and everything will back on alot smoother. When your done you won't have to worry about it for the next 10 to 15

[ljbrown184]

Thanks for the info...I will probably be doing this tomorrow since I am waiting for the parts to come in.

[vancouverbc]

http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=161689

here is an article on sohc rattle at start up. no pics.