SOHC: timing chain guides

[1slowS13]

i was wondering if its worth it just chaning the guides on a sohc, it started rattling even past starting. even when at operating temperature it would rattle time to time.

i will definetely be changing the two guides, and the two o-ring seals. can i skip changing the chain, sprockets, and tensioner? how big of a deal would it be if i skipped those?

its my beater, and i just want it running from A to B as cheap as possible.

[ZenkiKid]

id say just leave it.. me and im sure thousands of over sohc zilvia members did the same.

[Sidewayzzz]

The SOHC timing chain guides are different than the DOHC, the DOHC you can remove the upper 2 guides to stop the noise. The SOHC does not have those, if it is making audible noise, you need to replace the entire thing. It means that the chain has alot of slack in it, can be cause by the tensioner/guides/chain or a combination of all 3, but the kits that you can buy replace the entire thing and are fairly cheap. There is a guide if you search on here or ka-t on how to replace it, but its a pretty involved process.

Hope this helps, next time you should probably post in the Tech Talk section though.

[1slowS13]

if you let it be, i thought it would wear into the timing cover, then soon enough, the water jacket.. causing your coolant and oil to mix.

thanks sidewayzzz, i did not know that it could be the chain also, i guess if i do fix it, i'll buy the whole kit as well.

[haz-e]

As stated prior its an involved process but do-able if you have time and will. I prefer to remove the motor (cause I'm lame). Some do it with motor in car but I see to many problematic variables once the timing chain cover is reinstalled. For what its worth its worth doing it right. A timing chain kit si only $70ish. If you can do the work yourself, if not pay some one on here to do it. For the cost the of the kit just do the whole thing. SOHC guides become very brittle and crack after many years of use. Pull the motor, drop the pan, coolant should be drained, remove timing chain cover with water pump still on, Pull the oil pump and distrubitor, then the cover comes off. From there its straight forward. For sealant I find its best to use Nissan OEM stuff straight from Nissan.

[1slowS13]

i didn't really ask HOW to do it, thanks though.

the cheapest kit that i found around here locally was 130, and with that, i had to wait and special order it.. although they do have the parts seperately

[KingKong8247]

If its your beater and you dont care then dont worry about it. you can get a full running SOHC motor for around 100 bucks.

If you want it to last for a few years then I'd say go ahead and swap it out. AMS has the kit in stock. I'd say while your in there, go ahead and change it all instead of some of it.

Also ONLY use OEM products.

[1slowS13]

i already sourced a DOHC for 100 bucks, i'm just waiting on my 5 speed swap parts then i'll start wrenching. as of now, i wouldn't mind being able to sell the sohc as a 'running' motor, so i might as well do it..

can anyone else confirm about the chain wearing through the timing cover and water jacket?