Timing Chain Guides

[ZeeZee]

Is there any way to tell whether or not the timing chain guides have been changed or not? I know it would be helpful to have paperwork...but don't..only two owners but still don't know...is there any way at all to tell...other than taking it all apart?

[Infinitiguy19]

Sorry, But the only way is though service history, maintenance history from previous owner Or Taking it apart.

Unless you use a small but strong metal detector. Just kidding.

[maxnix]

You must remove the front timing covers and verify. Even if new guides are present, who knows what was left in the sump? New tensioners or new oilpump drive chain were probably omitted also.

Do this now before you ever turn it on again. It's that important, and the most stress is on intial cold start.

[Q45tech]

You must see for yourself whether a budget or full guide job was done because so many took too many short cuts just replacing slackside guides and nothing else.

Based to mine [condition in 1997] at 100k, I still worry about the oil pump chain and chain sprockets after another 219,000 miles and another 11 years.

[Haitian_King]

Is there any way to tell whether or not the timing chain guides have been changed or not? I know it would be helpful to have paperwork...but don't..only two owners but still don't know...is there any way at all to tell...other than taking it all apart?

One method of checking is to look at the color of the RTV. However, this isn't a fool proof method.

If I were you, I'd just do it. Get the guides done, and while you're at it, reseal the valve covers (if they haven't been done yet) and change your spark plugs (if they need changing). Change your hoses while you're in there. It's best to get as much as you can out of the way once you've got the engine open.

Repeat labor blows, even if you're not paying a shop to do it.

[BadQ45t]

Well you just bought a 16-17 year old car so how much did you pay for it and how much do you really like the car? if your not in love and just thought that it was a cool ride for 2 grand and you wouldn't mind getting 1-2 years out of the car (or potentally 2 weeks) than just turn the key and drive until it explodes. I wouldn't plan too many runs to LA or San Diego but IF YOUR IN LOVE than your just at the beginning of probably dropping 5-6k into the car over the next 2 years. If you did that your going to have a great car but the 91' has lots of gremlins that your going to need to chase...including transmission issues, electrical issues etc. On the flip side it is a classic example of early Infiniti beasty fast and powerful and is a very sweet ride. My dad had a 92' which I had for 6 months before we jointly decided to dump it. He chose to ignore the timing guides and sold it to a guy who 2 days later blew out the timing guides....my dad have him his $$$ back and junked it.

So that is your choice, drive until it drops or budget 5-6 grand and put her back together. Trust me the guides will only be stage one of operation rebuilt.

[maxnix]

One method of checking is to look at the color of the RTV. However, this isn't a fool proof method.

So neither is it a verifiable method. Q.E.D.

[Haitian_King]

So neither is it a verifiable method. Q.E.D.

The funny part is, that was one of the methods that I was given from members of the board as an alternative to removing the front end.

Even crazier is that the "What color is the RTV?" method is precisely how Mr. Van Meter deduced the status of my guides. IIRC, it was by your recommendation that I paid him a visit.

[Ozzie]

The funny part is, that was one of the methods that I was given from members of the board as an alternative to removing the front end.

Even crazier is that the "What color is the RTV?" method is precisely how Mr. Van Meter deduced the status of my guides. IIRC, it was by your recommendation that I paid him a visit.

Oh snap!