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Car Engine Timing Chain Problems
Question: 2002 Nissan Xterra 2WD, Miles: 89,000. How much
slack should you have in the timing chain? I have replaced the new chain twice,
both new chains act the same with 1/4 inch or more flex at the bottom sprocket.
If you hand turn the cam sprocket this creates slack in the chain before the crankshaft
starts to move, is this ok or is the cam or crank worn out?Answer: It
sounds like your timing chain guides are worn and need replacing to repair problem.
Question: 2002 Pontiac Grand Am mileage: 90,000. I recently had a car
repair done. The timing chain had broken and the tech went to test-drive the car
after fixing the timing chain. The oil light had come on, the mechanic drove it
without checking the oil, and the engine froze up after that. It now needs a new
engine. I need to know if it was an error on the mechanics part. Is there anyone
else that can advise me on what to do?
Answer: It sounds like something went wrong internally from
the repair.
Question: 1988 Nissan Sentra, mileage: 80,000. On the engine
timing chain, how much slack, if any should there be? I have over 1/2 inch flexing/movement
when I touch the timing chain with a screwdriver through the oil fill cap at the
front of the engine. It flops around nicely. Would that also cause an intermittent
loud engine knock / tapping?
Answer: It sounds like you are ready for replacement of the tensioner
or guide. They may be broken allowing the extra movement in the chain.
Question: 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass, mileage: 105,000. I recently
replaced the timing chain. After getting all the gears and the chain in place,
I started the car to make sure it was timed correctly; it ran like a true champ.
The problem is that I didn�t have the crank pulley on while running the car so the
keyway flew out and the crank kept spinning while the camshafts came to a stop.
How do I line everything back up to get it back in time? And do I have
serious problems if the crankshaft will spin only 1 rotation either way? Valve
damage? Please help
Answer: Assuming the chain is still on the crank gear, rotate the crankshaft
manually to a point to where you can reinstall the key. With the crank pulley
installed, try starting it again. This is the easiest way to check for valve
damage. If you have valve damage, it will run extremely poor or not at all.
Question: 1998 Dodge Ram 1500, mileage: 144,000. I think that my
timing chain either jumped or slipped when I was driving and if that is what happened
would that cause any damage to the valves, pistons or any other internal engine
parts?
Answer: There is a good chance that the valves may be damaged if
the timing chain has failed.
Question: 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, mileage: 175,000. I am replacing
the timing chain. Was able to remove alternator & bracket, hydraulic pump
& bracket, fan. Not sure about removing & replacing distributor. Want
to know what other parts that need to be removed besides the main pulley, and how
to remove them.
Answer: Mark the distributor prior to removal, then reinstall
the same way.
Question: 2000 BMW 740il, mileage: 90,000. Re: timing chain. What
is the purpose of the (2) plated links on the timing chain and if all the mating
marks are lined up correctly on the gears, what difference does it make where the
plated links are on the timing chain?
Answer: You're right. The plated links are just an aid to help during
chain replacement. If the timing marks on the sprockets are aligned properly, it
makes no difference.
Question: 1999 Pontiac Grand Am, mileage: 120,000. What would
be the recommended mileage to have the timing chain replaced on a Pontiac Grand
Am? If so is this a valve bending engine?
Answer: We would recommend replacing the timing chain at
140,000 miles. If the timing chain fails there is a very good chance the result
would be bent valves.
MORE: Timing chain
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/ Engine Timing Belt-3
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