1997 NISSAN SENTRA 1.6 UPPER TIMING CHAIN

[WCM111]

Suspected a timing chain problem on my 1997 Nissan Sentra with 128K and a 1.6
engine as it was making a “clacking noise”. Popped the valve cover and
discovered a lot of slack in the upper timing chain. Gears, chain and cams
look very good. Engine very clean and oil changed regularly.

Questions:
1) Have these engines had a history with the upper tensioners going bad?
2) Is the timing chain cover one piece or two piece?
3) What is the procedure to keep engine timed?
4) Are the cam/idler gears marked?

Also, looking for advise/directions/procedures from A to Z on how to replace
the upper tensioner and/or timing chain and gears. Please advise.

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer,
Bill

[al]

Is the noise occuring at all times? Or is it present only during a
cold start? I just bought a 1999 Sentra with the 1.6L that has a
scraping/screeching sort of sound for a second or two on cold start-up
only. Then it disappears. I'm told it might be the tensioners so I'm
watching it carefully and have switched to full synthetic 5W30 oil.
The factory service manual only describes changing both chains and both
tensioners which requires head removal. It looks like one could change
the upper tensioner alone without removing the head or the lower chain
cover. But I haven't done it so I can't be certain. Al

Post by WCM111
Suspected a timing chain problem on my 1997 Nissan Sentra with 128K and a 1.6
engine as it was making a "clacking noise". Popped the valve cover and
discovered a lot of slack in the upper timing chain. Gears, chain and cams
look very good. Engine very clean and oil changed regularly.
1) Have these engines had a history with the upper tensioners going bad?
2) Is the timing chain cover one piece or two piece?
3) What is the procedure to keep engine timed?
4) Are the cam/idler gears marked?
Also, looking for advise/directions/procedures from A to Z on how to replace
the upper tensioner and/or timing chain and gears. Please advise.
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer,
Bill

[E Meyer]

Its much more likely that your screech on cold start is a lose or glazed
accessory belt, pulley or belt tensioner. Change the belts and check the
pulleys before you start tearing into the timing chain.

It could also be the starter failing to disengage immediately when the
engine starts. Maximas are known for this problem when the starter gets old
and tired.


On 1/16/07 9:50 PM, in article

Post by al
Is the noise occuring at all times? Or is it present only during a
cold start? I just bought a 1999 Sentra with the 1.6L that has a
scraping/screeching sort of sound for a second or two on cold start-up
only. Then it disappears. I'm told it might be the tensioners so I'm
watching it carefully and have switched to full synthetic 5W30 oil.
The factory service manual only describes changing both chains and both
tensioners which requires head removal. It looks like one could change
the upper tensioner alone without removing the head or the lower chain
cover. But I haven't done it so I can't be certain. Al

Post by WCM111
Suspected a timing chain problem on my 1997 Nissan Sentra with 128K and a 1.6
engine as it was making a "clacking noise". Popped the valve cover and
discovered a lot of slack in the upper timing chain. Gears, chain and cams
look very good. Engine very clean and oil changed regularly.
1) Have these engines had a history with the upper tensioners going bad?
2) Is the timing chain cover one piece or two piece?
3) What is the procedure to keep engine timed?
4) Are the cam/idler gears marked?
Also, looking for advise/directions/procedures from A to Z on how to replace
the upper tensioner and/or timing chain and gears. Please advise.
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer,
Bill

[al]

Thanks much. I intended to do the belts in order to eliminate that
possibility. I have thought that it could be the starter too as it
sounds somewhat like the starter. That's not so easy to test and I'd
rather not just replace the starter with a rebuilt one as rebuilt
starters are often a crapshoot.

Post by E Meyer
Its much more likely that your screech on cold start is a lose or glazed
accessory belt, pulley or belt tensioner. Change the belts and check the
pulleys before you start tearing into the timing chain.
It could also be the starter failing to disengage immediately when the
engine starts. Maximas are known for this problem when the starter gets old
and tired.
On 1/16/07 9:50 PM, in article

Post by al
Is the noise occuring at all times? Or is it present only during a
cold start? I just bought a 1999 Sentra with the 1.6L that has a
scraping/screeching sort of sound for a second or two on cold start-up
only. Then it disappears. I'm told it might be the tensioners so I'm
watching it carefully and have switched to full synthetic 5W30 oil.
The factory service manual only describes changing both chains and both
tensioners which requires head removal. It looks like one could change
the upper tensioner alone without removing the head or the lower chain
cover. But I haven't done it so I can't be certain. Al

Post by WCM111
Suspected a timing chain problem on my 1997 Nissan Sentra with 128K and a 1.6
engine as it was making a "clacking noise". Popped the valve cover and
discovered a lot of slack in the upper timing chain. Gears, chain and cams
look very good. Engine very clean and oil changed regularly.
1) Have these engines had a history with the upper tensioners going bad?
2) Is the timing chain cover one piece or two piece?
3) What is the procedure to keep engine timed?
4) Are the cam/idler gears marked?
Also, looking for advise/directions/procedures from A to Z on how to replace
the upper tensioner and/or timing chain and gears. Please advise.
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer,
Bill

[E Meyer]

If it does turn out to be the starter, spend the extra $$ and go OEM. In
the long run its less hassle than replacing 3 or 4 rebuilts until you get
one that actually works.


On 1/17/07 8:35 PM, in article

Post by al
Thanks much. I intended to do the belts in order to eliminate that
possibility. I have thought that it could be the starter too as it
sounds somewhat like the starter. That's not so easy to test and I'd
rather not just replace the starter with a rebuilt one as rebuilt
starters are often a crapshoot.

Post by E Meyer
Its much more likely that your screech on cold start is a lose or glazed
accessory belt, pulley or belt tensioner. Change the belts and check the
pulleys before you start tearing into the timing chain.
It could also be the starter failing to disengage immediately when the
engine starts. Maximas are known for this problem when the starter gets old
and tired.
On 1/16/07 9:50 PM, in article

Post by al
Is the noise occuring at all times? Or is it present only during a
cold start? I just bought a 1999 Sentra with the 1.6L that has a
scraping/screeching sort of sound for a second or two on cold start-up
only. Then it disappears. I'm told it might be the tensioners so I'm
watching it carefully and have switched to full synthetic 5W30 oil.
The factory service manual only describes changing both chains and both
tensioners which requires head removal. It looks like one could change
the upper tensioner alone without removing the head or the lower chain
cover. But I haven't done it so I can't be certain. Al

Post by WCM111
Suspected a timing chain problem on my 1997 Nissan Sentra with 128K and a 1.6
engine as it was making a "clacking noise". Popped the valve cover and
discovered a lot of slack in the upper timing chain. Gears, chain and cams
look very good. Engine very clean and oil changed regularly.
1) Have these engines had a history with the upper tensioners going bad?
2) Is the timing chain cover one piece or two piece?
3) What is the procedure to keep engine timed?
4) Are the cam/idler gears marked?
Also, looking for advise/directions/procedures from A to Z on how to replace
the upper tensioner and/or timing chain and gears. Please advise.
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer,
Bill

[al]

Yes, I'm not enthusiastic about rebuilds. Advance Auto now offers a
line of brand name (e.g. Bosch, Beck Arnley) remanufactured starters
offering strong warrenties. I've had very good luck with Advance Auto
stuff but I've heard so many horror stories about bebuilds that I'm not
sure I trust anybody. Thanks again. Al

Post by al
Thanks much. I intended to do the belts in order to eliminate that
possibility. I have thought that it could be the starter too as it
sounds somewhat like the starter. That's not so easy to test and I'd
rather not just replace the starter with a rebuilt one as rebuilt
starters are often a crapshoot.

Post by E Meyer
Its much more likely that your screech on cold start is a lose or glazed
accessory belt, pulley or belt tensioner. Change the belts and check the
pulleys before you start tearing into the timing chain.
It could also be the starter failing to disengage immediately when the
engine starts. Maximas are known for this problem when the starter gets old
and tired.
On 1/16/07 9:50 PM, in article

Post by al
Is the noise occuring at all times? Or is it present only during a
cold start? I just bought a 1999 Sentra with the 1.6L that has a
scraping/screeching sort of sound for a second or two on cold start-up
only. Then it disappears. I'm told it might be the tensioners so I'm
watching it carefully and have switched to full synthetic 5W30 oil.
The factory service manual only describes changing both chains and both
tensioners which requires head removal. It looks like one could change
the upper tensioner alone without removing the head or the lower chain
cover. But I haven't done it so I can't be certain. Al

Post by WCM111
Suspected a timing chain problem on my 1997 Nissan Sentra with 128K and a 1.6
engine as it was making a "clacking noise". Popped the valve cover and
discovered a lot of slack in the upper timing chain. Gears, chain and cams
look very good. Engine very clean and oil changed regularly.
1) Have these engines had a history with the upper tensioners going bad?
2) Is the timing chain cover one piece or two piece?
3) What is the procedure to keep engine timed?
4) Are the cam/idler gears marked?
Also, looking for advise/directions/procedures from A to Z on how to replace
the upper tensioner and/or timing chain and gears. Please advise.
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer,
Bill

[c***@optonline.net]

Post by WCM111
Suspected a timing chain problem on my 1997 Nissan Sentra with 128K and a 1.6
engine as it was making a "clacking noise". Popped the valve cover and
discovered a lot of slack in the upper timing chain. Gears, chain and cams
look very good. Engine very clean and oil changed regularly.
1) Have these engines had a history with the upper tensioners going bad?
2) Is the timing chain cover one piece or two piece?
3) What is the procedure to keep engine timed?
4) Are the cam/idler gears marked?
Also, looking for advise/directions/procedures from A to Z on how to replace
the upper tensioner and/or timing chain and gears. Please advise.
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer,
Bill

You can download the factory service manual for the 96 here (the 95-99
Sentra 1.6s are 99% the same GA16DE with the expected differences in
emissions related changes);

http://www.nissanforums.com/b14-95-99-chassis/60760-b14-full-service-manual.html

Take care of your 1.6. I wasn't so lucky.

CD

[WCM111 via CarKB.com]

CD - Greatly appreciate the help!

Bill

Post by WCM111
Suspected a timing chain problem on my 1997 Nissan Sentra with 128K and a 1.6
engine as it was making a "clacking noise". Popped the valve cover and

[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]

Post by WCM111
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer,
Bill

You can download the factory service manual for the 96 here (the 95-99
Sentra 1.6s are 99% the same GA16DE with the expected differences in
emissions related changes);
http://www.nissanforums.com/b14-95-99-chassis/60760-b14-full-service-manual.html
Take care of your 1.6. I wasn't so lucky.
CD

[Codifus]

Post by WCM111 via CarKB.com
CD - Greatly appreciate the help!
Bill

Post by WCM111
Suspected a timing chain problem on my 1997 Nissan Sentra with 128K and a 1.6
engine as it was making a "clacking noise". Popped the valve cover and

[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]

Post by WCM111
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer,
Bill

You can download the factory service manual for the 96 here (the 95-99
Sentra 1.6s are 99% the same GA16DE with the expected differences in
emissions related changes);
http://www.nissanforums.com/b14-95-99-chassis/60760-b14-full-service-manual.html
Take care of your 1.6. I wasn't so lucky.
CD

No problem. Let us know how it turns out.

CD

[WCM111 via CarKB.com]

CD - It turned out to be the upper timing chain tensioner. Also, found out
that the 1996 Nissan 1.6 engine only has one timing chain; not two. Mine is
a 1997 (thank God).

FYI . . . For future threads concerning the same problem, the upper tensioner,
upper timing chain and both cam sprockets can be replaced by removing the
valve cover and upper timing chain cover. The cylinder head does not have to
be removed. To get at the timing chain cover, you do need to support the
engine, remove the right upper motor mount and accompnying bracket. The
windshield washer tank and accompanying hold down also has to be removed to
get the bolt out of the upper motor mount. Not really a bad job. The Nissan
enginneer used his head when he designed this engine so that you could easily
get at the upper end of the engine without removing the whole timing chain
cover or the cylinder head.

Regards and thanks again,
Bill

Post by WCM111 via CarKB.com
CD - Greatly appreciate the help!

[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]

Post by WCM111 via CarKB.com

CD

No problem. Let us know how it turns out.
CD

[al]

Thanks for the tip on replacing the upper tensioner without removing
the head. It looked to me that with the upper mount disconnected it
would be possible. Appreciate your confirmation. Was the power
steering resevoir in the way? I seem to recall it could be. Did you
replace both the upper chain and the upper tensioner? Thanks again.
Al

Post by WCM111 via CarKB.com
CD - It turned out to be the upper timing chain tensioner. Also, found out
that the 1996 Nissan 1.6 engine only has one timing chain; not two. Mine is
a 1997 (thank God).
FYI . . . For future threads concerning the same problem, the upper tensioner,
upper timing chain and both cam sprockets can be replaced by removing the
valve cover and upper timing chain cover. The cylinder head does not have to
be removed. To get at the timing chain cover, you do need to support the
engine, remove the right upper motor mount and accompnying bracket. The
windshield washer tank and accompanying hold down also has to be removed to
get the bolt out of the upper motor mount. Not really a bad job. The Nissan
enginneer used his head when he designed this engine so that you could easily
get at the upper end of the engine without removing the whole timing chain
cover or the cylinder head.
Regards and thanks again,
Bill

Post by WCM111 via CarKB.com
CD - Greatly appreciate the help!

[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]

Post by WCM111 via CarKB.com

CD

No problem. Let us know how it turns out.
CD

--
Message posted via CarKB.com
http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx/nissan/200701/1

[WCM111 via CarKB.com]

AlI am only replacing the upper tensioner. The power steeing resevoir was
not in my way and was not moved. The gears and the chain are in great shape.
I did have to remove the coolant resivoir and the accompanying hold down out
the way. Hope this helps.

Bill

Post by al
Thanks for the tip on replacing the upper tensioner without removing
the head. It looked to me that with the upper mount disconnected it
would be possible. Appreciate your confirmation. Was the power
steering resevoir in the way? I seem to recall it could be. Did you
replace both the upper chain and the upper tensioner? Thanks again.
Al

Post by WCM111 via CarKB.com
CD - It turned out to be the upper timing chain tensioner. Also, found out
that the 1996 Nissan 1.6 engine only has one timing chain; not two. Mine is

[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]

Post by WCM111 via CarKB.com
Message posted via CarKB.com
http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx/nissan/200701/1

[l***@gmail.com]

my '99 sentra gxe w/ 104,000 miles also makes a "clacking noise" but
not when its cold. It does it sometimes during acceleration. I suspect
timing chain. Perhaps the same fix you found will work in this case.
Assuming it's the same problem, what should it cost to repair in a shop?

[WCM111 via CarKB.com]

Don't think about taking your car to the shop right yet. Try using high
octane gas (93 octane) for the next couple of tankfulls. If you only hear
the noise during acceleration, chances are it's not the timing chain. It
sounds like what you are hearing may be "pinging" as opposed to a problem
related to the timing chain and running a high octane gas will cure this
problem. Let us know how you make out.

Happy motoring!
Willy

Post by l***@gmail.com
my '99 sentra gxe w/ 104,000 miles also makes a "clacking noise" but
not when its cold. It does it sometimes during acceleration. I suspect
timing chain. Perhaps the same fix you found will work in this case.
Assuming it's the same problem, what should it cost to repair in a shop?

[f***@gmail.com]

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