Successful Timing Chain Replacement

[Ramondo]

You guys on the NICO forums are the greatest!! After reading some of the forums I decided that I really needed to do my timing chain guides. I have a 1993 Q45 that I bought new in December 1992. It now has about 87,000 miles on it. I keep the oil and filter changed every 5,000 miles and have not had to do any major work on the vehicle.I got the parts kit from Infinity of Scottsdale, read the tech articles again and started to work. Keep in mind I am 64 years old, so things go a little slow. When I took things apart I noticed that all RTV (water pump, thermostat, valve covers and front engine covers) was light blue. The old timing chain guides were indeed plastic, but were as good as new, no cracks and not brittle at all! After changing the guides, I used a drill to rotate the oil pump until lots of oil was squirting out around the chain area. I turned the engine over several times using the 30mm socket on the crank pulley. I then reassembled everything, put in new fluids and held my breath as I tried to start it. To my surprise, there was no loud noises and it started and ran smooth and strong! I couldn't even find a leak anywhere. Thank you NICO guys! I have loved my Q from the day I bought it and I love it even more now.

[beancan]

Way to go.. im 27 and I consider that job a hand full.I hope to be that "able" at your age Congrats

[maxnix]

Great job! You have insured many more pleasurable miles from your Q45.

Now go check your trunk lid and tell us where the y in INFINTI is.

[Ramondo]

I can't believe I did the "y" thing.

[Q45denver]

Great job. Probably saved yourself a couple grand. I got stumped trying to keep the engine from jumping time while removing the guides.

[Ozzie]

Great job. Probably saved yourself a couple grand. I got stumped trying to keep the engine from jumping time while removing the guides.

Just turn off the flux capacitor.... that will stop it from jumping time.

[infinitinut2]

I had the distinct pleasure of watching T3's tech, Bryan, do the guides on my 92 Q, back in 2000. He used plastic ties to keep all in place. Q45 tech has often spoken of this technique T3 evolved allowing them to do the guides with the engine, en place. It is always a wonder to me to watch such folks perform! I stand in awe of their abilities (me the guy who took days to change the plugs on my Q and the fuel tank float hangs up now and then after the pump change out!).

[bullittandy]

Great job!! There are few things as satisfying as completing a car repair successfully while saving yourself thousands of dollars.

This will also inspire future generations.

[96Qowner]

I keep the oil and filter changed every 5,000 miles and have not had to do any major work on the vehicle .... The old timing chain guides were indeed plastic, but were as good as new, no cracks and not brittle at all!

Methinks this is not a coincidence. It's the byproducts of degraded petroleum oil that eats the plastic.

Congratulations on the successful work. Heheh, maybe I'll start working on my own cars when I turn 60.