bullseye

My 1995 Maxima SE has 194,000 miles on it, now. It runs great, and I work to keep it in good shape. The other day, my mechanic said he could hear my timing chain, and he suggested I replace it. I know the timing chain is supposed to be a "lifetime" installation, but my car is really piling up the miles...

What are the relative merits, here?

Also, if I decide to have the timing chain replaced, what other related maintenance/modifications would be advised/convenient to do at the same time? If I'm gonna do it, I might as well kill two (or more) birds with one stone.

Please advise. Thank you.

maximus75

iTrader: (5)

If you have the chain changed, have your mechanic change the water pump becuase it runs off the chain and it's right there. Also have him check the tensioner, sprockets, other chains(I believe there are 3 total) and guides.

bullseye

Do you support the idea of changing a timing chain? Also, what mods, if any, would be convenient to do once the timing chain replacement is under way? Thanks.

maximus75

iTrader: (5)

On high milage cars I have seen tensioners go bad and chains wearing so yes I do support the idea of changing it. I have seen ,in extreme cases, the chain being so loose it would ruin the sprockets. As for mods, according to the Nissan repair manual, the engine has to be removed to replace the chain, I have heard of people replacing it in the car but it's a real pain so any mods that would be easier with the engine out would be a good idea. Looking at your list of mods it seems that anything that could be made easier with engine removal you have(quaife, aluminum flywheel, clutch) only thing left is a supercharger Any other mods aren't really any easier with the engine out. You could grab your plenum and valve covers and have them polished while the cars at the shop. Just a thought.

bullseye

A supercharger? Hmmm... Juicy boost. Don't tempt me!

maximus75

iTrader: (5)

Juicy boost is very tempting

dashingMax

HUH? I thought that 4th gen Maxima's run off 2 belts. Timing is controlled by the ECU!!
I guess I was misinformed........

maximus75

iTrader: (5)

There are two accessory belts. Timing chains are for the cam timing. 3rd gens had timing belts.

PhatBastard

iTrader: (3)

At what mileage should a timing chain change be considered? Or is ok to just wait for symptoms of a timing chain problem?

bullseye

I'm certainly no expert, but from what I've heard, you don't EVER want to wait until you get symptoms of a timing chain problem. The symptom(s) you await, if they occur, may be catastrophic on this engine, as, I believe, valves may contact pistons. That wouldn't be good. At what mileage should timing chain replacement be considered?(Where's my Ouija Board when I need it??) That, I do not know. That is probably a matter of opinion, as different cars have different drivers, various driving conditions, build quality variance, etc.

I'm just a wealth of helpful information, aren't I? Sorry, but that's the best I can do...

elcid

IS it easy for anybody to check how their chain is? IS there any easy way to see/test the presnt condition of the chain? Thanks.

elcid

Is it a loud sound like somthing you totally notice? I'm just curious, I don't want to have to replace my engine because I over looked replacing the chain, I have a 98 MAx about 67,000 miles on it. Thanks.

BriGuyMax

iTrader: (1)

ok...when my engine was swapped last week...we had to swap my old timing chain cover over becuase the new one was dented. I got to take a look at a VQ timing chain after 95,000 miles. The thing looked BRAND NEW...and then main tensioner is HYDRAULIC so it NEVER needs to be adjusted OR replaced. I really wouldn't worry about a VQ timing chain until you get somewhere near 200,000 miles like Bullseye is.

elcid

THANKS!!! Good to hear, sounds like quite the job!