Geez.. I took my car in to get the starter replaced, and I get it back saying the timing chain is about to go and it's $1100 in labor alone to get to it. Mechanic says that's what the rattling sound from the engine is when I first start the car.

Apparently it's the chain slapping against the cover. I'm thinking it's probably not the chain that's gone bad, but the tensioner or the guide.. question is, if those things go bad, can they cause the chain to be so out whack it itself needs to be replaced?

I'm inclined to say screw him and let my chain go, but the possible damages from even skipping one tooth could be disastrous.

thoughts?

 

time for a VQ35.

 

u can replace the tensioner without pulling the motor....it jsut takes time an patients...there is a write up somwhere

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=460796Some one is selling a kit.

 

My first thought is you should find another mechanic.

The tensioner failing is what's causing the chain slack.
Replace the tensioner and you'll be good to go.
It's a common problem in early 4th gens.

 

i have a 95 se with a tensioner problem as well. Everytime i let the car sit for a while (like overnight) the first start up always results in a rattling of the chain. I figured it might be a hydrualic issue to i started using 20/50 maxlife with lucas oil treatment..which seems to help a little bit. Also before i turn off the car for the night, i rev to 2k rpm for about 25 seconds then cut the ignition. By doin so, 8 out of 10 times its a quiet start the following morning.

 

I recently took my car to get the water pump replaced. Before, I had the quick rattle on startup. But when I got my car back, the rattle was steady, even after warmup ( got a little quieter once the car warmed, but was still there.. ). The mechanic told me it's because my oil was shot, and needed changing badly. I didn't believe him, and initially thought they screwed up my chain or tensioner, but decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. I put in some castrol 10w40 synthetic, as per his advice, & the startup rattle has completely disappeared. Engine runs great. If you're just about due for an oil change, I'd recommend changing it, it couldn't hurt, solved my problem

 

I was told that getting to the whole timing system (chain, tensioner, etc.) was a 13 hour job. Basically, it didn't matter what part had to be replaced, the labor to get in there was $1100.

Is it A) possible to replace the chain tensioner without taking out the engine, and B) if the chain tensioner has created slack, is the chain not permanently damaged?

Thanks

 

there's a write up in the stickies on how to change the tensioner. there's an access panel on the timing cover which will let you get to the tensioner.

edit: here's the link
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....t=timing+chain

 

Get it checked out by another mechanic. I agree that if the chain is that loose, you should consider getting it fixed, but it's not an $1100 job.

Dave