OK need upper chain tensioner info...

tonsters200 · Aug 24th, 2003, 09:31 PM

After hearing some crazy chattering/rattling last week I dove in the engine this afternoon to take a look.
I got the valve cover off and removed enough stuff to get a look at the upper timing chain stuff. I removed the upper tensioner as it seemed to be the only thing that "looked" worn. In fact it had worn down to the point that it had a couple holes where the chain rides. It seemed that the thing was also kinda froze up. It looks like the piston thing should move somewhat free. I did get it moving after some work, but it did not seem right.
So question is do you think this would give me the chatter I was getting? I am gonna have to replace this part no matter what I am just wondering. Really I am hoping this is it as I really don't need to shell out the $$$ to fix this thing.
Thanks.......Tony

95 SentraB13 · Aug 25th, 2003, 10:14 AM

Tony, more than likely it is the lower chain guide(to prevent the chain from riding against the side of the front cover) that is causing your problem. It generally cracks off at the mounting bolts and falls to the bottom of the cover near the oil pump allowing the chain to ride freely, metal against metal. It doesn't affect the chain so much but does a number on the housing. If it was the top tensioner and guide that failed, you would have noticed wear on either the valve cover or sides around the chain but I believe this is rare or impossible for the top chain to hit the metal.

Check out my site for more information.

It is a big job to complete although changing the guides only took about 20 minutes. If you get a mechanic to do it will cost you about $1100 for parts and labour. I'm doing the work myself in my driveway and it's definitely not the easiest thing I've ever done and I've ran into a few problems during the reassembly process. I should have everything completed by this evening or tomorrow at least. I never replaced my timing chain as it was in good condition as were the sprockets. I never removed the cylinder head either(which made reassembly more difficult) but Nissan now has a new tech. doc. on how to change the chain with having to take the head off. I don't have this document but from Nissan's website it will cost you $30 a day to view.

You can probably get the parts you need locally or ordered online here: http://www.courtesyparts.com/B13_TBKIT16.html

You seem to have a good idea what you're looking for and knowledge of working on engines. If you have a week or so and an extra car available you could probably accomplish this yourself but a friend is always good to have around.

tonsters200 · Aug 25th, 2003, 10:29 AM

95 SentraB13,
Thanks for the link. I tried to visit that link a couple days ago but it would not load the article. I can see it now. Well I replaced the Upper tensioner this morning and...well you guessed it...chatter is still there. I am going to call around for some quotes today for replacing this pain in the butt part. I am actually off this week for vacation, but I don't think ill be doing the job myself. Again thanks for the link and advice.

95 SentraB13 · Aug 25th, 2003, 06:17 PM

To give you a little more help and save you some money I'd suggest buying the timing chain parts online. Courtesyparts.com is good as you can select which item you need. Other sites like those listed below will only give you the basics, I believe, like front main seal, tensioner, lower guides and bracket. You will need 2 o-rings and I'm not certain if they are included. The reason I'm telling you this, it just cost me $19.62 CAN at Nissan for one o-ring when I could have bought it online for $4. The only problem is shipping to Canada which takes time and if shipped via UPS or FedEx it would be expensive.

http://www.autopartsworld.com

Search Google for Sentra Timing Chain Kit and you will get a similar list of retailers using the exact same search database and prices.

Ultra Grey Sensor-Safe RGV Gasket by Permatex is what Nissan uses when reinstalling the front cover housing and that can be bought at WalMart for $6 or so. Again, you might save some money buying the supplies yourself and giving it to the mechanic. Same goes for oil and a filter.