ssubhash

Hi all,

My 1999 Maxima just died on me and would not start.

The spark is not coming in the plugs.

The mechanic also tells me that the timing chain jumped because the tensioner lost tension. This led to valves being bent and loss of compression. He says the compression shld be 150 psi on each side of engine but is only abt 70-80 psi.

My questions:

1. The missing spark shld really be a distributor problem and not related to engione or timing chain, shld it?
2. How do I confirm that the timing chain has really jumped and therefore damaged engine and the engine block needs replacement?

If the engine has really damaged, what kind of price I am looking at for a salavaged engine and install?

Nismo

iTrader: (18)

we dont have a distributor. There sould be alot more than 150 psi in each cyl though.

If the timing chain did jump then your whole timing is way off then your valves will be chewed up by the pistons

ssubhash

How do I confirm that the timing chain indeed jumped? What kind of money am I looking at spending to get a salvaged engine from a junkyard? Anyone know of any good yards in NJ area?

Now I understand that the distribution in 4th Gen is done by ECM. So if the "spark is not coming" then is the ECM suspect or is it because of the jumping of the timing chain?

hurleybob

Damage is not always a given. I have had timing chain slip a tooth on a Chevy V8 with no valve damage. Also had a timing belt break on a Ford Escort with no damage. On a Chevy Lumina 3.1 V6 my chain snapped and that did destroy that engine! Yeah I don't have good luck with timing chains...

Since you say your problem first showed up while trying to START the engine perhaps you just need a timing chain job? Whats the mileage on your engine?
Can you take on a timing chain job, or know someone that can for cheap? Junkyard engine idea is scary and should be avoided if possible.

driver824

theres one on ebay for under 500 and its got 23 k onit.. its a 95 motor..

blake