timing chain

Aug 13th, 2003, 02:05 AM

I believe my timing chain on my truck needs to be replaced.
i never had to do this on my 86 hardbody even with 150k on it.

i cant get a definate answer frrom anyone about this question.
here it is

will replacing the timing chain improve the low end power and will it improve mileage?

if anyone has done it and noticed a difference i may change it and keep the truck.
john

super22ll · Aug 14th, 2003, 10:51 PM

If you have a KA24E, it's not extremely difficult. I just changed mine a couple of months ago with lots of help from this fourm. Nissan will charge you $1200 to do the job, but you can do it yourself for under $200. I have about $180 in mine including some tools that I needed to purchase to do the job. You need a good set of metric tools, a wheel puller and a Hanes or equivelant manual. It took me about a week working on it 2 hours a night after work. The hardest part is that you have to take all the accessories off. Radiator, fan, move the ac compressor etc... But it can be done. If you're machanically inclined and have the patience, you can do it yourself. I have a 2 wheel drive '93 with 125000 miles. I get about 29-31 mpg with mostly highway driving. Changing the chain (the plastic guide was broken on mine) did not really improve the mileage, but it did stop the surging I was having at low speeds. The broken guide let the chain go slack and throw out my timing at low engine rpm. Mileage did not really change. The way the power curve on the KA24E is, if you keep it under 3000 or so rpm then your engine uses less power and gets great mileage. I hope this helps. Don't be afraid to tackle this job yourself.

Aug 15th, 2003, 02:03 AM

i get the same mileage no matter what 18-19 ac on or off, it doesnt matter. i havent gone on any long trips to see what the highway only mileage is but i do drive a combo highway & street miles every day.
I build vw race engine as well as do complete restore etc to vw cars. the old real ones. so the work is not the problem. i just hate working on the truck. even changing the oil is a pita. the designer must have been left handed or something which im not.
i have a mechanic friend that will do the job with factory parts for $650.

i should have kept the other truck i never had to do anything to it.
as for the new one i cant tow with it etc. whats the point. i may as well drive one of my 10 quality german cars and borrow a truck when i need it.

1997XETruck · Aug 15th, 2003, 11:40 AM

I assume you have the 2.4L engine? If so you can check the guide health by pulling the valve cover... If you think the truck is a pain to work on - never, ever, open the hood of a Q45.

I laughed the whole time I worked on my truck! 20 minutes for spark plugs vs. three + hours!!!

Heath

ajan246 · Dec 19th, 2008, 02:07 AM

what should i look for to check the chain guide?