Hey guys,
It's been about two weeks since I last worked on my motor, I have it out of the car on a stand. I primed the tensioners about 11 days ago and since I haven't been able to work on it, I'm concerned that the oil has leaked out of the 3 tensioners. I have everything on it except the TC and don't wanna tear down everything again to b sure that the tensioners are primed correctly. Is there a way to prime them while installed? I originally submerged them in oil and pumped til no bubbles appeared. Anyways should I be concerned? I don't want it to jump a tooth on start-up.

Is there a method to prime the cam tensioners with them mounted? The main tens is not a prob-easy access but cam ones are a PITA.

Thanks in advance .org

 

I don't believe the tensioners are primed prior to start-up on a new engine at the factory, What would be a good idea though is to crank the engine in the car fo a few seconds with the ignition disabled. This would allow the engine to build oil pressure without starting.

 

Oldngivout,
Thanks for the reply-sounds like a good idea, I was thinking of attaching the transaxle to the motor hook up the starter and give it a few cranks as you've suggested- with the motor out I could leave the TC off for easy access to the chain. I'm still a little unsure about the cranking tho a valve can b bent-(I dunno?) can anyone else chime in...?

 

Honestly, that sounds like a lot of trouble to me. What I was suggesting was cranking the engine without ignition just prior to starting it for good, with everything installed in the engine bay, ready to drive. I understand your concern, but if assembled properly it should be no big deal. Thousands of new engines are started every day in new cars with only the assurance of correct assembly, no special prelube or anything like that.

I have assembled and started more than a few Nissan engines with all new timing components and never once had a problem like you are dreading.

 

Thanks for the peace of mind man.... another question--> any tips on that TC install? I tried putting it on last night, but with that new lower oil seal it's a PITA-hit it w/a rubber mallet, smeared the rtv all over the place-took it off to give it another try tomorrow.

 

Are you trying to install the timing cover with the upper oil pan already in place?

If so, it's no wonder you are having trouble, that is backwards.

 

I get ur point, I guess I jumped the gun on installing the upper, went off memory and didn't use the FSM after the timing and cams....will do...thanks for the input.

 

You don't have to remove the upper oil pan to R&R either the outer or inner timing cover. Outer timing cover requires removal of the lower oil pan for the two bolts, and the inner timing cover doesn't need the oil pan removed either.

From tavarish's VQ35 swap writeup:

 

I don't believe the tensioners are primed prior to start-up on a new engine