Got me a '97GXE with 100K miles...I looked in my maintence log at the 105K mile service listing, it lists the replacement of the timing belt. I was always under the impression that the VQ used a timing chain. So, I proceeded to a local dealership in Hartford, brought this point up to the service advisor and was told that the chain in the VQ does not require replacement. He also stated that a built-in tensioner accomodates for any chain stretch. IS this true? Is there a mileage at which I should replace the timing chain regardless...as a precautionary measure?

TIA

 

Finally a question.. unfortunately the wrong forum..

he doesn't leave the 4th Gen Forum

 

<Moving to 4th Gen Forum>

My 2 cents:

The maintenance log is wrong. The VQ has a timing chain and has no specified replacement interval. If it were my VQ and running well, I wouldn't touch it. However, if I had another engine problem (leaking oil, etc.) then I would probably go ahead and have it done. But it's not necessary.

 

The chain doesn't need replacement at any xxx mileage as Bill said. If the car has had regular oil changes, the chain should last the life of the car. If you have some work done at maybe 150 or 200k, then maybe an inspection of the chain and the tensioners might be warranted. Actually the inspection of the tensioner is probably recommended.

In this rare case, I'm gonna say the Nissan dealer actually knows what he talking about.

Just another good reason to use synthetics in your car.

 

The tensioner compensates for the chain aging up to a point, it is still possible for the timimg belt to have to be replaced, though at 105,000 miles, that seems a little low, unless the VQ has been beat upon rather hard. Timing belts usually give a warning sign long before they stretch enough to jump time, usually this warning is a clacking or clanging noise, that is usually more apparent at startup. So as preventive maintanence, it doesn't have to be replaced, but the tensioners should be looked at.

 

If it was a Harte guy who told you that, I'm impressed. Those guys are gimps - they did a terrible "service" job on my oilpan and it ended up ruining an engine.. had to have a whole new one put in. Thank God for the extended warrantee. $50 to go from an engine with 89k to a much peppier one with only 29k!

 

I am now longing for a "Old Interesting Posts" Section, so that I could capture this quote from Jeff and hold him to it....:laugh

Nissan dealer = knows what they're talking about !?!@?

 

You have already received plenty of good information. I will add my voice only because you called out my name in the Subject line.

All '95-up Maximas use a timing chain, not a timing belt. There is no recommended service interval for the timing chain. You replace the chain if it becomes loose and noisy. Timing chains are durable, and a loose chain is uncommon.

Timing chains tend to fail slowly. A worn chain will emit an ugly rattling sound, most pronounced immediately after engine start-up. It can go on like this for thousands of miles, slowly getting worse, before it breaks. Therefore you have a lot of warning before bad things happen.

 

It's good to know that I won't have to worry about my timing chain for a while.

Jeff & Bill: My 4th Gen has over 100K miles...is it really ok to use synthetics in a car with such high miles?

Speebs: It was Harte Nissan that I went to. Do you think that DeCormier in Manchester is better place to have service performed?

Daniel: Thanks again. Do you use synthetics in your car?

 

I'm content with ordinary engine oil. The "syntho" verus "dino" debate sometimes approaches religious intensity, and I prefer not to take sides in that kind of battle.