VQ35DE Timing

Discuss topics related to the VQ series engine.
unclronny9
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Sep 26, 2020 11:03 am
Car: 2006 Nissan Maxima
2001 Nissan Frontier

Post

I replaced my Water pump and in so doing believe I let the primary chain slip a tooth or two. So I pulled the timing case cover, probably letting the chain slip a little more when taking off the harmonic balancer. I'm replacing the primary chain and primary chain tensioner and guides while here. My question is this: I've got the crank set at TDC compression stroke and the cam sprockets on the water pump side of motor lined up easily according to the FSM but because of the valve spings the cams on the other side wont rest to line up per the FSM which says the marks should run parallel with the cylinder beneath them, instead they will only rest where the marks are exactly parallel to the marks on the water pump side cam sprockets. Ive rotated them many times they keep resting in the same places. any insight would sure be appreciated
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unclronny9
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Sep 26, 2020 11:03 am
Car: 2006 Nissan Maxima
2001 Nissan Frontier

Post

Figured it out. That is a very exact place you turn that left side cam sprocket to that the valve springs arent trying to push it in either direction and once there as long as you don't bump it even slightly you can get the primary chain on and that will then hold it in place from jumping. all my mating marks are now in perfect harmony with each other and ive tested it rotating the engine by hand without any problems and all mating marks land in the same places when back at TDC again. :)

unclronny9
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Sep 26, 2020 11:03 am
Car: 2006 Nissan Maxima
2001 Nissan Frontier

Post

So , I noticed when cranking the engine by hand to make sure all the timing marks were on that the vvt sprocket on bank 2 was jumping and making some strange noises. I decided to disassemble it and was sure glad I did.
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unclronny9
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Sep 26, 2020 11:03 am
Car: 2006 Nissan Maxima
2001 Nissan Frontier

Post

The OEM replacement for this variable sprocket is $774 so Im gonna try a junk yard today

sc0tty0
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Oct 29, 2017 4:30 pm
Car: '03 3.5l altima

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Looking to replace my Timing chain guide and saw your post. Glad (not glad ) you found that, any luck on repair?

User avatar
VStar650CL
Technical Expert
Posts: 8382
Joined: Thu Nov 12, 2020 1:25 pm
Car: 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL
2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 S

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FYI, to keep the teeth on the big chain in place while installing the guides and tensioners, try zip ties across the middle of the chain. Then if it moves a skosh there's no harm, the zips keep it tensioned. Also, never forget to pull the fuel pump fuse and dry-crank for 10~15 seconds before letting the engine fire, otherwise the main chains have a habit of jumping 1~3 teeth from lack of oil pressure and sudden acceleration of the chain.


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