Timing Chain Question.

[ready2hunt]

Ok, new to the Nissan. Picked up a '86 720 King Cab, and have dumped a ton of $ into. Both lifts, tires, wheels, weber, tune up, new interior, exhaust, the list goes on... I have the notorious "timing chain rattle."

Here is my question.. It only rattles at an idle, if you give it a little throttle, rattle goes away, and she purrrrrrrs. SO, would that be more of a tensioner issue, vs a stretched chain? I'm so far behind the ball on getting the ready for lion season.... Should I replace the whole schbang, or just shoot for the tensioner?

Thanks guys!!

[foxfan1992]

I had the same issue with my 1984 Nissan Datsun pickup. I bought a whole new timing chain assembly kit (though they only installed the tensioner and I still have the chain and accessories).

The tensioner is most likely worn out and needs replacing. If you replace the whole chain then you're far less likely to have any ignition timing issues afterwards. (I do... still need it fixed)

[ready2hunt]

Yeah, I'm going to to the whole chain replacement.

[foxfan1992]

I'd recommend you do it as soon as possible. A loose timing chain can eat away at the timing case and then you'll have more than a rattle to deal with... you'll have a significant oil leak and possibly a very expensive repair bill too. Luckily I avoided this.

[flinterman2000]

I did the same last week. Changed every thing in there, the chain, tensioner ladders and throw ring and gear(which does not come with the kit). Now she purrs at idle.

[ready2hunt]

Yeah, I ordered the stuff yesterday to do the whole thing. I haven't been driving it Foxfan, it's sitting until it's fixed.

Flinterman, how long did it take you to do the whole replacement?

[Kanadian]

I would also like to know how long it took? Mine rattles on start up but goes away .. is that the chain guide or the tensioner

[foxfan1992]

I would also like to know how long it took? Mine rattles on start up but goes away .. is that the chain guide or the tensioner

Most likely the tensioner since my truck did the same.

Ultimately even if the tensioner is just worn out, it's probably best to replace the whole chain assembly to make sure you don't get any ignition timing issues (I do, since I just replaced the tensioner). Just my advice.

[ready2hunt]

I'm going with the whole schbang.. You have to get in there to replace the tensioner, might as well do it all. I will begin to tackle this next week. All my parts have arrived. $99 for everything from Rock Auto.