when should the timing chain be replaced?

[Mtt22]

so when? on a s13 dohc?

[chickenmanq]

Generally, you change timing chains at 100k.  However, they can last til 250k.  BUT, Nissan engines are not clearance, meaning if your chain does go, you'll be buying new valves or a new engine depending on the rpm it lets loose at.

[sykikchimp]

yeah, he's right..  either change around 100k miles, or wait for it to make noise.  Usually our engines make quite a fuss when the chain gets ready to let loose.

[Natty]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (chickenmanq @ July 04 2002,12:29)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Generally, you change timing chains at 100k. However, they can last til 250k. BUT, Nissan engines are not clearance, meaning if your chain does go, you'll be buying new valves or a new engine depending on the rpm it lets loose at.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Dude, that's just one more excuse for an SR swap &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':hehe:'>
Heh, seriously though, I wouldn't neglect my car, or pour water in my throttle body &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>
I am at 152,000 miles with the stock chain and no rattle, so who knows. I would replace it at the first rattles or wait for it to break. Well, assunming it doesn't break while your shifting at redline &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/dozingoff.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':zzz:'>
And what is the cost of a timing chain with labor. Like $800 right? hell, there is a 65,000 mile engine around here for that much. I'll swap that in myself and have a lower mileage engine.
Jeff

[chickenmanq]

Alright, NOW you got me pissed. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'> &nbsp;Not really.

However, NO a timing chain is not 800 unless you let the dealership do it and they talk you into buying the way expensive timing set with it. &nbsp;Has new gears and shit, and they'll try to tell you it makes or breaks the engine. &nbsp;Truth be told, look at your parts, and replace if necessary.

Timing chains are hella easy to do in the KA. &nbsp;To get the crank pulley off, insert a breaker bar, 2 foot will do, onto the crank nut, and brace it against some part of the engine compartment and give the starter a quick tap. &nbsp;That'll break the nut loose no problem. &nbsp;Do check to make sure your engine is turning the correct way, though. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> &nbsp;Anyway, take off the crank pulley, remove the timing cover, and wah-lah! &nbsp;Change your timing chain.

[240sx2Nur]

I've called numerous Nissan Dealers and they said it never needs to be replaced.

[AKADriver]

Right. &nbsp;The timing chain is not a wear item like a timing belt, it should not be replaced unless there's a problem.