S13 Timing Chains and Tensioners

[ikellen]

I recently talked with a mechanic friend of mine about the car I am looking at buying, a 92 240sx. He said that when you first look at it, if it's running good, then it is probably in good condition. However, I asked about timing belts, and he said they used timing chains, which don't break, but the tensioners on them can slip and have problems. I found some people having problems with this while searching, but can someone please elaborate for me? What would something like this cost to fix? Can it be done on your own or does it require a shop to do it?

[nokeone]

i believe it is rather intensive and you may have to pull the head in order to get the front timing chain cover off to access the tensioners for replacement..

no matter what it is a big job though....

[twitchy]

yes a big job. I have the chiltons manual at home from the library and I happened to be reading it last night... You have to remove the heads. Its a big job to change it although it may even out as to not having to change the timimg belt every what, 80 000 kms??

I have a 1993 240 with nearly 180 000 kms on it now and ive never had any trouble. The dealer tells me if I keep the oil changed I wont have to worry about it. As well, use synthetic oil (at least half) like I do to be extra sure, especially if you drive it in the winter

[mrmephistopheles]

you don't have to remove the head, twitchy
don't post misinformation.
timing chain job is more labor intensive and intricate than it is difficult.
You have to pull valve cover, both front covers, etc etc.
It's a pain in the ass.

[240Dave]

Heh, I don't think it's possible to pull the head w/out taking the chain off FIRST :bash:

[twitchy]

Originally posted by twitchy
[B... You have to remove the heads. [/B]

[twitchy]

Originally posted by twitchy
[B... You have to remove the heads. [/B]

yes I withdraw.

My bad I was looking at a different car.

decides a good indication of this might be that I said "heads" since if I recall, most inline 4 cylinders only have one head.

[ikellen]

hmm...........doesnt sound too easy, has anyone had a shop do it? How much did it cost?

[kendot240]

Do pull those front covers off do you have to take off the alternator and the water pump and the pulleys etc. - Basically everything in front of the those covers?????

[fiebru1119]

not sure about alternator, but water pump, crank pulley, and oilpan also have to come out to remove the lower cover. top one is a sinch. the lower one is a PITA especially the oil pan if you dont have the engine out of the car

[andrave]

its not cheap! you are looking at around 300 dollars for the parts...