Timing chain on used 240SX

[Fastback Jack]

Hello. I'm going to be looking at a 1990 240SX Fastback today and a friend of mine told me yesterday to make sure I ask whether the timing chain has ever been replaced. I know that it is a pretty labor intensive job to do, but my friend said that if it hasn't been changed or changed recently to do it myself because if it goes out, the KA motor's SOL. Does anyone know how often the timing chain should be changed? The car I'm looking at has 203k miles on it.

[ILikeMy240sx]

Timing chain... due to the fact that it's a mechanical device, it's considered almost a non-wear item unless of course there has been something going around in the front cover.

But at that high mileage, I would definitely check the chain for any sign of damange or wear. Usually there is a rattle that comes from the valve cover when you blip the throttle a little bit. This is due to a weak tensioner (probably bad or gunked up with oil) and the chain flopping around and hitting the guide.

If I were you, I would probabaly replace it since 200+K miles is alot.

[Gold Digger]

IMO the timing chain should be done between 65K-80K just for preventive maintenence. The changing of the chain is a pretty hefty task for the non-mechanically inclined, and still a pain in the arse for those who are good with cars. It took me three days to do mine. Make sure you have a good FSM or tech book. Follow the instructions to a T and you should be ok. The worst part is tearing everything off to get to the cover. And make sure you replace the guides and tensioner also.

Now if a guy says he had the chain replaced, ask for a recipt so you can verify it. I traded my 240 for an AWD Eclipse three years ago, and he told me the belt had been changed. Three months later the belt broke cause it hadn't been changed. It was dry rotted something horrible. Live and learn right?

[dickie]

good luck with your car. you might start looking for a ka-de motor woth fewer miles on it. especially before you spend lots of money on that higher mileage engine...

[Fastback Jack]

Hmmm.... that's not a bad idea. How difficult is it to find a KA DOHC engine for the 240SX, especially one with lower mileage? And roughly how much would I expect to pay for the engine plus the labor for the swap?

[240Knightrider]

It seems to have gotten easier to find a low mileage KA

im not sure on price though, depends on the shop