SOHC Timing Chain

[Jonnie Fraz]

Ok to start off my SOHC started making that God awful noise coming from the front of the motor...We all know what that means...Timing Chain! So I figure I have 162k on the motor it's time.
FSM is alot of help, but it left out a couple key points. It does not make mention of removing the alternator tension bracket...no prob. It also fails to mention removing the coolent hoses on the back of the thermostat housing/timing chain cover...a little more work. I have the front of the motor all taken apart and am about ready to get to the TC cover. Let me tell you it's fun, fun, fun. So far about two hours in, hope to have it done in about three more.
Here are some pics. First The front of the motor torn down.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/Fraz-Man-One/timing-chain-rr.jpg
Next the hoses that have to come off of the cover.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/Fraz-Man-One/HPIM0026.jpg
I will take some more pics of the process.

[breakindrifts]

Looking forward to some more pics/write up.

[TAMTANIUM]

Nice! I have to change the timing chain for my car soon too. Thanks for the write up.

[Jonnie Fraz]

Ok after a fun filled day i still am not done with my little project.

After getting the timing chain cover off I find somthing is missing.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/Fraz-Man-One/chain-tension-destruction.jpg
Can you see what is missing in this pic? Yea and those small pieces sitting on the block are all that I can see of the tensioner...weak sauce!
So when I pulled the oil pan guess what I found?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v635/Fraz-Man-One/found-it.jpg
Belive it or not this car was running, and running good except for the noise. Now to all you guys that are thinking "The rattle is'nt that bad, I'll do it next week." may want to concider doing it sooner than later.
It will be a couple of days before I can get back to this one, so until next time... So Long!:bow:

[Neejay]

Nice...

I think Im just gonna let my mechanic do it for $250 (Im supplying all of the parts - OEM nissan).

I've done my water pump, starter, alternator, but Im hesitant about doing the timing chain on my sohc...think I should attempt it guys?

[Jonnie Fraz]

It's not realy that hard. If you have a FSM follow the steps, except for the AC tension pulley I have not figured that out. Replacing the chain and guide took about ten minutes, it's just getting to it. If your mechanic will do it for $250 that is a deal. Most shops around here charge $90/hr, that is not quite 3 hrs. If you have not done it before it will take longer than that. Hopefully I will finish tonight and then I will do a full write up.