Timing Chain and guide replacement on MY 90-93

[Infinitiace1992]

Can anyone recommend where to buy the new metal timing chain guides and timing chain? Are they still available via Infiniti/Nissan dealers?

[Ryantzer]

https://www.performancevh.com/product-p ... -chain-kit

I initially purchased a DNJ kit from Amazon only to find that it didn't include the long tension-side guides, which are the main reason the chain guides need to be replaced in the first place. I wasn't able to locate a source for all the OEM guides in one kit.

[3Q Jay]

The perf VH kit looks reasonably complete (threr are a few other things you'll want to complete the job, such as the front main seal)
I'm not sure if their kit uses genuine nissan parts (I would doubt it, but don't know for sure).
You can also use Amayama to order genuine nissan parts from Japan.

[BCC93QT]

Wow. I'm so glad to see people still willing and able to dive into the timing chain go around. Been 14 years since I did my first and only go around. As Ryantzer said... performance VH is your best bet. There are kits via japan as well. Hope you understand it's much more than just the timing chain thing.... your 92 is 29 years old. Rubber and plastic is an enemy. Be prepared.

[Infinitiace1992]

https://www.performancevh.com/product-p ... -chain-kit

I initially purchased a DNJ kit from Amazon only to find that it didn't include the long tension-side guides, which are the main reason the chain guides need to be replaced in the first place. I wasn't able to locate a source for all the OEM guides in one kit.

Thanks Ryan. Much appreciated

[Infinitiace1992]

Wow. I'm so glad to see people still willing and able to dive into the timing chain go around. Been 14 years since I did my first and only go around. As Ryantzer said... performance VH is your best bet. There are kits via japan as well. Hope you understand it's much more than just the timing chain thing.... your 92 is 29 years old. Rubber and plastic is an enemy. Be prepared.

Thanks. It’s like a rescue dog. I know I’m going to run into problems but it’s a long term commitment and it’s just a nostalgic car Not a daily driver so I have the time, patience and the money to keep it alive. Only has 69,000 miles but has been sitting for 12 years since the owner died.

[Q451990]

The general consensus in the past has been that you're ok not replacing the cam chains. T3 used carefully placed cable ties to hold everything in place. They would change the oil pump chain, as they saw some stretch in that one.

[BCC93QT]

Q451990 is spot on. While doing open heart surgery replace or repair what u can see. I wish I could provide more feedback. It's been so many years....

[Infinitiace1992]

Q451990 is spot on. While doing open heart surgery replace or repair what u can see. I wish I could provide more feedback. It's been so many years....

I truly appreciate all the advice. I’m also replacing the water pump while we’re in there

[BCC93QT]

Water pump is easy... make sure you provide pictures... well.. if you could

[Infinitiace1992]

Water pump is easy... make sure you provide pictures... well.. if you could

Pictures of what?

[OwnerCS]

Here's some pictures. If you want to browse several albums they are located at the following PhotoBucket link.

https://app.photobucket.com/u/Ridgeline ... c434831d3e

[Infinitiace1992]

Thank you very much. What’s the purpose of the colored zip ties?

[OwnerCS]

Thank you very much. What’s the purpose of the colored zip ties?

To hold the chain in place so it stays put while changing the guides. Some people use mechanics wire to hold the chains in place. You don't want the cams to slip and jump a notch while the chain is loose for changing the guides. No color significance. I was what I happened to have that day.

[Infinitiace1992]

Kinda what I figured. The kit I bought from VH I believe came with a new chain and I’m assuming the techs are going to put a new chain in while doing the metal guides.

[Ryantzer]

There are 3 chains included in the kit, but my research here found that changing the cam timing chains wasn’t really necessary unless the engine has high miles. Since mine only has 105k I left the original cam chains installed and only replaced the oil pump chain, also because the VH kit isn’t OEM parts.

[Q451990]

Nice! Thanks for the pics.

[Infinitiace1992]

Humm interesting view. My car only has 69,000 miles but just figured replace as much as possible while in there.

[Infinitiace1992]

So I’m finally in the process of installing the new timing chains, tensioner, water pump, injectors and several other items installed, I thought for those of us that may not have seen a VH45DE (Q45) motor Internally I’d post a few pics. Pretty advanced for an engine designed in the late 80’s.

Enjoy

[BCC93QT]

Looks great! I did my one and probably only guide replacement back in 2008 I think. Props for the energy and drive to get it done!

[Infinitiace1992]

Thanks Just want to keep her healthy as long as possible.

[BCC93QT]

As I remember mine had 98k on it when I did the guides and plenum job. But I also swapped engines. Scrapped at 396k...

[3Q Jay]

Ace- I can't zoom your pictures (but thanx for posting them!)....Please show us your old guides and how they look at your age and mileage.
The VH45DE was incredibly advanced for it's day.
Don't forget the super duper torq on the crank bolt (friction drives the oil pump sprocket). 270 lb-ft (260 absolute minimum).

[Infinitiace1992]

Thanks Jay. I’ll be sure we do crank that to 270. The plastic guide on the driver side of the engine was totally destroyed. I bought the car with 69500 original mikes on it with original plastic guides. I’ll try and post a video of how the engine sounded when I bought it this summer. I knew what the problem was the old owner didn’t. The chain was rattling around but thankfully it held with no internal damage especially for an interference engine. Can you post videos here?

[PalmerWMD]

This bring back memories.
I remember driving to T3 Atlanta to get my guides done back in the early 2000s.

[Jap Burd]

Wow. Seein that be ignite tore down scares me on mine, lol. That is a huge job.

[PalmerWMD]

Pretty advanced for an engine designed in the late 80’s.

Back when they came out they were one of the best and most modern fast luxury sedans at (almost) any price.
Better handling, braking acceleration than most anything out there .
Think about it, who else had a 32 valve, VVT, hemispherical combustion chambers, sodium filled exhaust valves, 6 bolt mains engine in 1990?
No one.

[Jap Burd]

Can’t wait to see this car at my cars and coffee in the spring.

[Infinitiace1992]

Pretty advanced for an engine designed in the late 80’s.

Back when they came out they were one of the best and most modern fast luxury sedans at (almost) any price.
Better handling, braking acceleration than most anything out there .
Think about it, who else had a 32 valve, VVT, hemispherical combustion chambers, sodium filled exhaust valves, 6 bolt mains engine in 1990?
No one.

Good memory. Not only is that all true but one feature not mentioned too much but was incredibly advanced for its time was the Full Active Suspension. It was the worlds first application in a production vehicle.

[3Q Jay]

Pretty advanced for an engine designed in the late 80’s.

Think about it, who else had a 32 valve, VVT, hemispherical combustion chambers, sodium filled exhaust valves, 6 bolt mains engine in 1990?
No one.

all true. and don't forget, direct (coil on plug) ignition, long tube intake runners (torque), and a notable at the time 6900 redline.
Plus it looks and sounds good.
But times change, and very mediocre by today's standards.