My 2006 Maxima SL won't pass emissions and my garage says it's not a catalytic converter problem. He says the engine timing is off, so it's skipping. He recommends installing a new timing chain and that it will cost between $1,000 and $1,500.

I've looked online and it looks like a tough, deep into the engine type job. I don't know if he's capable of it. Any tips on how to find someone who can? I live in Stafford Springs CT

Tom

 

I would get a 2nd opinion on that one. Sounds like possible BS to me.

 

Talk to local folks.

 

I'm curious what makes you thing this guy can't do it? That price is not unreasonable. Actually seems pretty fair, he'll make some money, but not rip you off. Dealerships charge as much as $3000 for that job.

 

If your timing was so off that you failed emissions, there would be at least a few codes thrown.
The price is about right if he is competent to do this type of work, but here's what happens in reality: by that mileage the plastic chain guides on the main and upper tensioners fail and the chain has slack. That slightly changes timing but not enough to it impact the engine performance. It might throw P0011 code. Did you get failed for that code?
Long story short, the tensioners have to be replaced if failed. Coincidentally the pre-cat bank 1 fails around the same time and mileage due to overheating. That would be the major contributor to emissions failure.

 

I totally like the guy and know his heart is in the right place. It's just a "deep job" (so says a buddy of mine who worked in a dealership for 10+ years) and I doubt he's ever done it on a Nissan Maxima. Also, I could be wrong and he could be fully capable and then some. Online tells me the average price for such a job is $951, so my guy may be as much as $549 high. Finally, there is no guarantee that the expenditure will fix the problem. That's really the hard part. I'm going to get a second opinion and go from there. Thanks for commenting!