Hey guys so I need some help and I already checked the forum I checked Google and I havent found anything on my issue. I have a 1998 infinity I 30 VQ 30 DE Ive already taken out the water pump and tentioner and motor mount for extra room. I took off the wheel lowered the side while holding the engine up for even more clearance. I cannot slide the water pump into place the timing chain feels too tight. I have turned crank pulley counter clockwise it no longer moves. I used two wire hangers to hold the top and side of the chain back so that way I can slide it in easier but as soon as the chain passes the propeller part of the punt and hits the center it gets wedged and comes out from the side that doesn't have the chain. I feel as though the pump needs to be more toward the chain to enter perfectly. Furthermore without the pump in place if I run my finger on the loose chain it doesn't give clearance in the center but the top and bottom go over the bezel that the water pump screws onto. I need to know what to do to get it in without damaging the gaskets. Is it possible the chain tightened? I did have the battery connected in the beginning of the job. Any thoughts would help thanks

 

You probably should turn the crankshaft counter clockwise a bit more to get some room.

 

There is a good you tube tutorial on this. Its a 98 maxima.

 

Step 6 in the 97 fsm states: Pushing timing chain tensioner sleeve, apply a stopper pin so it does not return. Then remove the chain tensioner assembly.

Step 7 in the 97 fsm states: Remove 3 water pump fixing bolts. Secure a gap between water pump gear and timing chain, by turning crankshaft pulley 20 degrees backwards.

Here is a video of pmohr removing and replacing the water pump.

 

OP--It's not clear to me what you have and haven't done, so this may not help. When I did mine, I thought there wasn't enough room, until I made sure the mounting plate the triangular piece) was lined up properly with the mounting holes. Then it went in easily.