Timing chain question

ONLY for ADVANCED technical discussion about the 240sx!
User avatar
cys19
Posts: 686
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 5:34 pm

Post

The seller of a 95 SE says the timing chain sounds a bit old. The mileage is at 100k. I was wondering how much would it cost to replace the timing chain. Or if there was some other cheaper way to fix this problem besides replacing it.


candela
Posts: 624
Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:09 pm
Contact:

Post

Ifyou do it you can do it for probably about $70, having someone do it may cost about $200...

s13EastTN
Posts: 486
Joined: Mon Mar 29, 2004 1:42 pm
Car: 91 s13 hatch, 95 Honda Civic

Post

Wow, I beleive your estimates are a bit low.

If you only get the bottom chain, then it may be around 80ish depending on where you get the parts.If you get both chains all tensioners cam sprockets and everything else, you are looking at about $250 for parts from autozone or $400+ nissan parts.

Most shops charge anywhere from 800 to 1200 dollars to do this install, which includes parts and labor.

It is a 9 hour job to someone out there, but for me it was a very long process but I finally got it.

User avatar
cys19
Posts: 686
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 5:34 pm

Post

I have another question: What makes the timing chain stop working the way it's supposed to? I mean, some people on NICO say they've never done timing chain maintenence and theirs are running just fine above 200k or even 300k miles.

s13EastTN
Posts: 486
Joined: Mon Mar 29, 2004 1:42 pm
Car: 91 s13 hatch, 95 Honda Civic

Post

What happens is that the tensioner looses power over time, and that tensioner causes the chain to be tight, and not move around. When it becomes weak, the chain is allowed to move left and right smacking against stuff and hurting the chain/guides/engine.

gumby
Posts: 994
Joined: Wed Oct 15, 2003 6:53 pm
Car: '89 240sx sohc

Post

worth doing at 100k i dont know about the dohc but on the sohc it wears through into the cooling system releasing coolant into the oil or if it snaps the pistons slam into the valves. either way your engine is ruined. timing chain and fuel injectors are the 2 engine life extenders.

User avatar
cys19
Posts: 686
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 5:34 pm

Post

Fuel injectors hmm...I've never heard of fuel injector maintenence. Could you tell me more, please? :D

gumby
Posts: 994
Joined: Wed Oct 15, 2003 6:53 pm
Car: '89 240sx sohc

Post

the ka engines are renown for leaky and/or clogged injectors. theyre expensive and tricky to replace. basically they are elctronically activated solenoids. if you dont smell gas in the engine compartment or have pinging you're ok. if you smell gas check all the fuel lines for leaks first before the seals or injectors. if it pings run some heavy duty cleaner through it (seafoam, bg 44k). a lean fuel air ratio (too much air not enough fuel) causes pinging, knock etc (premature detonation) typically a sign of clogged injectors. this can damage the engine. if it idles irregularly check the injector harness connector contacts for corrosion. this is all 2nd hand knowledge so another opinion is welcome but it seems to be a comon issue with older engines.

User avatar
cys19
Posts: 686
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 5:34 pm

Post

So now I know why my friend's KA backfires so much! :D Also, do you know what kind of "old engine" problems the CA18 and the SR20 have?

gumby
Posts: 994
Joined: Wed Oct 15, 2003 6:53 pm
Car: '89 240sx sohc

Post

nope im just regurgitating what ive learned about the ka24e sohc. there could be other causes im not aware of fuel pump, pressure regulator but injectors are prime suspect. if the MAFS or O2 sensor are blown it'll compensate buy running rich which is not good either but better than lean.

User avatar
cys19
Posts: 686
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 5:34 pm

Post

Anybody on NICO know if the DOHC KA is known for anything similar?


Return to “240SX Technical Forum”