I have a 2000 Maxima SE. Does this motor use a timing belt or a timing chain? If it is either, when is the correct time for replacement?

Also, anybody have a good procedure for a radiator flush?

 

Your Maxima has a timing chain and it doesn't require replacement as a belt does. If you do flush your radiator don't put pressure on the system. Otherwise you may end up with water on the passenger side front seat floor.

I drain the system of existing coolant and then I run distilled water through the system when I flush the system. You can try to remove the engine block drain screws but they are very difficult to reach if you don't have the proper tools. I then pour in the distilled water until the system runs clear of radiator coolant. Then I refill it with the appropriate coolant. I know there is probably a better way but thats how I do it.

 

It's got a metal link belt.

 

Yep, timing chains are suppose to last the life of the engine, but it is possible that after high mileage it might need replacing. I have owned a couple of 240's also and although they have timing chains also, the chains can start to stretch over time and cause chan rattle. I replaced the timing chain on my last pig nose and it was pretty straight forward.

 

I'd say that's more related to the tensioner than the chain itself.

 

Yeah, the tensioner is a common problem also.(getting gunky and not expaning as it should.)

But the 240's do or did have any issue with the chains stretching. The chain that I replaced last year, was suppose to be improved for that reason. I also, placed the new and old chain side by side and you could see a difference in length.

 

So then it alters timing ever so slightly? Or does it stretch like bubble gum.

 

Well, actually the reason I replaced the chain on the pignose is because it had streched so far that the chain jumped a link and messed up the timing. I bought the car from a small getto car lot for $450, because of the timing issue and they towed it to my house so I could rip it a part.

 

There is the one primary chain with one oil pressure operated tensioner and two guides, and the two secondary chains with one tensioner each, and all lubed with one oil jet.

 

Isnt that a Nice thing about newer cars you dont have to replace the timing chains

 

Not true.

Many still use belts

 

hmm That's new news to me.

 

Even Honda has gone to chains. Belt replacement became a negative for them because of the competition. Just be forewarned, for the "average" driver, most probably will not have to replace a chain, but if you regularly do a lot of "excursions" towards the redline, that may not be the case.

 

I was pretty sure they went to chains as of late. What year did they convert?