my timing chain is making noise when the car is first started and at certain RPM. Will this get worse before I need to replace the chain and tensioners and pullys or should I do it ASAP?

 

Timing chain noise is common in all 4th gener's. This is a common flaw from Nissan. The chain will last the life of the car if you keep up the recommended oil changes. Don't worry about the noise. The noise is just caused from a oil drainage problem in the timing chain casing. When the car has been sitting for a while, and upon startup, the noise is relevent. I heard that you can eliminate this noise by replacing the "plunger" part inside the timing chain cover.This will prevent the drainage of oil after the car has been sitting for awhile. Also, it may not be a bad idea to replace the tensionors, as well.

 

You need to replace the chain tensioner. This is something that really should be done. Upon start up, the chain could possibly skip a tooth if it becomes to lose.

This was common to early 4th gen max's. 95 - 97 perhaps? Nissan has since made changes to the tensioner which should have stopped it from failing. It was something in the oil passage ways in the tensioner if I recall. You'll see the difference from your old failing tensioner and the new one you'll get from Nissan.

Unfortunately for such a small item, it's a big job.

 

So if I am already replacing the tensioner(s) are ther other items that I should replace as well since it's all apart anyway?

 

Yes you should go ahead and replace the chain if you are going to replace the tensioner. The real cost will be the labor. Do a search on this subject and you should run across a parts listing.

 

go to "thepartsbin.com" and get the timing chain kit...it will have all the tensioners, guides and chains and the front oil seal for $185. in the process of disassembly and reassembly you will need a few other parts...y-pipe gaskets, front and rear oil pan gaskets....if you need to replace belts, O2 sensors, pcv valve this will also be the time to do it.....this is a job for a seasoned home mechanic with a access to a decent variety of tools and an engine hoist.

the problem is common on ALL 95's and the early 96's and was corrected in full by the 97 model year. I used to have the VIN number cut off from alldata.com, but your local dealer could probably look up the TSB and tell you too. the new tensioner can not be put in place on its own...you must also repalce the guide as well.

a good quality oil filter (stp, bosch, nissan, wix) will have a good anti-drain back valve that will minimize the amount of oil that drains from the tensioner and hopefully reduce the amount of start up rattle you get.....my 95 would rattle for at least 20 minutes until all the air bled out of the tensioner, but it never skipped any teeth...and i drove the pants off that car.

 

If I wait will this get worse and lead to other problems?

 

i bought my 95 with 70K, and did the work at 80K...at which point i think it was a little worse than when i had first bought it....but i know others on the list have just lived with it....i played with different oils, and filters...all with little or no improvement in my case. I drove that car pretty hard....it was a 5 speed afterall, and it did not jump a tooth, and I don't think it could, given how many guides are on that chain.

admittedly when I replaced mine, i did not replace the two tensioners that are between the intake and exhaust cams....there was a good deal more tear down involved (that left more opportunity for oil leaks afterwards). Besides, they really shouldn't wear out, and are not part of the rattle problem.

 

The plunger can be replaced by itself alone. There is an access panel with 4 10mm bolts on the timing cover. It's not that tough to remove (just don't drop the little metal cylinder that is spring loaded into the bottom of the case, like I did ). The new tensioner kit comes with the chain guide also, this cannot be replaced through this access opening. I only changed the plunger assembly on my '95, and the car is back to normal, even after 60,000miles on it.

There is a description in the Shop manual, which I was hoping to scan for another .org member here. My scanner, unfortunately is not that great with thick books. My advice is invest in the manual, if you plan to hang onto the car. It's saved me a bundle over the years.

 

I was going to replace the timing chain, guides and tensioner but ran out of time.( I have to do that at a later date.) So I replaced the tensioner and the noise is gone. No problems. I just removed the access panel to the tensioner and removed it carefully. The catch is I took the engine off it mounts and it over shifted over 5 " to get at it. (I was also replacing my clutch and took my trans out.)

 

OMG! is that what the rattling nosie is?
so how can i fix i today without much labor. do i really got to put a new timing belt on TOO>. Whats the minimum i could do to FIX the PROBLEM>.... thanksguys..mdub