Hey Guys,

My name is Kevin. I have been a long time lurker. I have posted some but not much. I have two Maximas. Both of them are 92 SE's. One is charcoal gray and automatic and the other is pearl white and 5 speed. Well, my 5 speed finally bit the dust. I had it in the shop to have my clutch replaced. The brand new OEM clutch and throw out bearing went in along with the resurfaced flywheel. While it was still in the shop the timing chain broke.

My question to you is what shall I do with it? Should I just tow it to the salvage yard or would anyone want it? It is just too much trouble to part it out especially when it comes to shipping large parts. Your input is appreciated.

Thanks
Kevin

 

Where are you located? I am sure there might be some interested in taking it off your hands.

Ultimately it is up to you, you could always drop another motor in it.

 

take the motor from your autotragic and throw it in your 5spd body, then junk the auto and dead motor.

 

So the timing chain broke whilst in the hands of the mechanic...?

 

just remember to swap intakes so you don't lose the variable-intake system that is only on manual VE's.

 

yea.... this might also be something you wanna look into......
and yea variable intake manifold from Ve5 FTW

 

that sounds shady...

Have you ever looked at the timing chains on these cars? There are three of them and I think you could use them to tow a garbage truck with a cement truck.

It's more likely that your VTC cap came off. That seems to be about the only way to really kill a VE.

 

Sell it.
People will buy a car with a bad motor as long as the body of the car is decent.

 

Wow I though timing chains were susposed to last the life of the car in most cases, sounds like your mechanic maybe to blame on this one since it was in his hands, he should replace it!

 

It would be up to you to sell it though or fix it. Word of advise, the market for VE's is much better than the market for VG's, as far as engines and transmissions go.

 

Whats the difference between VG and VE as it pertains to the above thread?
As far as the motor is concerned, if you like the car and its in good shape drop another motor in it if finances allow. I'd rather have the stick vs the auto. Personal opinion.

 

The OP should haul his butt over here and give us a few more details. I could use some body parts for my project car. At some point I want to stuff an 02 into it...just to do it.

 

The difference between the VG and the VE is the engines and transmissions are different. The VG30e engine was made for the Nissan Maxima model GXE from 1989 until 1994. The 89 thru 91 Nissan Maxima SE had this same engine: the VG30e( we say VG for short). The 92 thru 94 model Maxima SE was equipped with a larger higher output engine called the VE30e if im not mistaken, aka VE.

 

VE30DE, the "VE" is a dual overhead cam that produces 30 more HP than the VG30E,
VG30E: 160HP
VE30De:190HP

 

Yes it sounds like the mechanic is at fault. as long as i have been a mechanic timing chains will stretch but ive never seen them break. if it sounded bad then the mechanic should have told you and not drove the car. the mechanic is at fault. he just did the job then probably drove the **** out of your car not listining to the sound of the car.

 

I am located in Arlington TX. Let me know what you are interested in.

 

Garf,
It cost too much to swap the motors. Plus the upkeep is getting a bit much.

Kevin

 

James92SE,

Yes, timing chain broke at the repair shop. He did notify me that the engine sounded not right. It was my fault because I thought they were not familiar with the VTC clack. I told them not to worry about it.

Kevin

 

Cliff,

So you think the VTC Cap came instead? Hmmm... how can I verify this without getting into the engine?

 

ok, if the swap costs too much do you want the 5 spd? or do you not really care and will just drive the auto as is?
My next recommendation would be to part out the 5spd, craigslist and here in the classifieds. take all the parts off the 5spd that you can use on your auto first.
if you really wanted the 5spd for later you could take it out when you're parting out the car and save it for when you have more money.
After parting out the car take her to the jy or see if they offer free vehicle removal where you live.

 

I have been on this board for over 6 years and never heard of a timing chain breaking. There have been a handful of incidents where the VTC cap came off and jammed up things, pretty much destroying the engine. In one instance, I think someone (Matt or Michael?) bought a car with an engine that the cap actually smashed part of the timing chain cover off.

Either way (timing belt breaking or cap coming off) the engine is screwed.

You might want to look into legal issues with the mechanic, since you gave him the car running and he is trying to give it back not running. That just sounds fishy. To replace a clutch, you don't even need to start the engine, unless you are moving the car around a lot or into a garage.

 

If your going to part out the 5spd what shape is the transmission in? I'm in San Antonio for school and go home to Houston on holidays. Either way if its in good condition and the price you name is within means then I wouldn't mine coming up there to pick it up. VE 5spd trannies aren't easy to come by around here. At least not reasonably priced.