Timing Chain question? (not a why is it rattling question)

[nelson8708]

I know that the early ka24e motors had a issue with the guides. I heard that the new guides are supposed to have a metal backing. I was wondering if the slack side and the tension side guides are both supposted to have metal backings or just the tension side. I went to get a cloyes timing kit and the slack side did not have a metal backing. So is that ok or do i need to find a kit where both guides have a metal back?

Thanks in advance.

[rogoman]

The new OEM chain kits from Nissan use metal backing on both slack side and tension side guides. Don't use an aftermarket kit.

[homeslicej2]

Yeah. I replaced my broken guide with a whole new timing kit from Beck-Arnley (i got a good discount from NAPA). It had the plastic still and I didn't know that there were any kits that came without the plastic. So me and my bro-in-law, a mechanic, replaced everything. Guess what? The thing still rattles. I'm pretty sure the plastic guide broke again. If the OEM one now comes without plastic, I will get it next time. Don't care how much it is.

[rogoman]

The problem may be with low oil pressure. The KA24E motors were notorious for early oil pump failures. Check the pressure before condemning the chain assembly.

[homeslicej2]

Good point, but wouldn't the idiot light come on if the oil pump pressure was jacked up enough to make the chain rattle?

[rogoman]

The idiot light would not necessarly come on with low oil pressure. The idiot light will usually come when the pressure is around 5 psi or less.

The pressure normally is 11 psi at idle and 60 to 70 psi at 3000 rpm.

[homeslicej2]

Any recommendations on oil pumps? I will test the oil pump as soon as I can, but would like your thoughts so if I have to get one I can just go ahead and get it.

[rogoman]

Get a new OEM pump from a Nissan dealer; be sure to prime it first before installing it.

[homeslicej2]

Thanks rogoman.