I have a 1998 Altima that broke a timing chain, the lower chain. It's pretty "balled up" according to the guy that's looking at it. He's concerned that if we fix the timing chain ($700), the valves will be bent or damaged. To do the timing chain AND valves/heads, we're looking at $2500, or the price of a used engine.
A 98 Altima is worth $700 repair. I don't think it's worth $2500+. My question to the group is, based on your experiences, what are the chances that the timing chain is all that's broken? Is it likely valves are trashed (or worse, pistons)? I know in my old days working on Chevy's in the 60's, this was never a problem of the valve hitting the piston when a timing chain broke, but this guy says this "interference engine" it's possible.
I agree with AsleepAltima, you would be better off finding a good used engine. To answer your question, The KA24DE is an interference engine. Depending on how hard the engine was turning, you can count on ,at least ,bent valves.
It's a matter of economics. If I just have to replace the timing chain it's about $700. If I have to also do valves/head work, it's up to about $2500. A used motor is also about $2500 (flat rate book shows 100 hours for the exchange!).
If it's working fine, the best I can get for it is about $3000. So if I put in $2500, and sell it for top dollar, I net about $500. If I can get $1000 for it broken, I'd be ahead just to sell ot off if possible. But bottom line is I can't see putting $2500 into a 9 year old car with 112,000 miles on it.
thats why you replace the engine. an engine can be had for about 450 if you look in the right places. have it installed for a couple more hundred and youre back on the road - without spending 2500...
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