Timing chain problem in a NISSAN ALTIMA

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VijaKhara@gmail.com - 20 Apr 2006 13:29 GMT

Hi,
+I intend to buy a 1997 Nissan Altima, GXE 119,000 miles for 3000 USD.
This car looks good but when I brought it to an automechanic, he told
me that there is a noise in timing chain. He just took a glance and
heard the sound from the engine.
He seemed very hurry at that time. I am wondering if that timing chain
makes noise is normal for a used car after 119,000 miles. What If I
don't change it and still drive it for a while in local road?

+please tell me where in the car I can read the VIN?

+ I want to see if the airbag and ABS are functioning. I hear we can
see the lights in the car, do you know where they are ?

+finally, this car once was used a a rental vehicle. Is it a problem? I
heard that it is oki since rental company maintained very well their
car.

Thanks

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The OTHER Kevin in San Diego - 20 Apr 2006 18:14 GMT

>Hi,
>+I intend to buy a 1997 Nissan Altima, GXE 119,000 miles for 3000 USD.
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>makes noise is normal for a used car after 119,000 miles. What If I
>don't change it and still drive it for a while in local road?

Timing chains will make a little noise, but if it's rattling at idle
and goes away as engine speed increases, you've probably got a broken
chain guide or tensioner. I drove my wife's 240SX with a broken guide
for about 10,000 miles with no problems and never bothered to fix it
until last summer. Still, a timing chain replacement is relatively
inexpensive if you can do it yourself. Not too difficult, but it can
get a little involved depending on the engine. I did the chain on the
240 in a weekend.. 160k on the clock and it'll still bark the tires
going into 3rd gear.

>+please tell me where in the car I can read the VIN?

Should be on the drivers side dash, viewable through the windshield.

>+ I want to see if the airbag and ABS are functioning. I hear we can
>see the lights in the car, do you know where they are ?
>
>+finally, this car once was used a a rental vehicle. Is it a problem? I
>heard that it is oki since rental company maintained very well their
>car.

My personal thought on rentals cars is they're well maintained by the
company, but the people that rent 'em tend to flog the hell out of
'em.

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E Meyer - 20 Apr 2006 23:56 GMT

On 4/20/06 7:29 AM, in article
1145536159.257045.30200@i40g2000cwc.googlegroups.com, "VijaKhara@gmail.com"

> Hi,
> +I intend to buy a 1997 Nissan Altima, GXE 119,000 miles for 3000 USD.
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Thanks

The chains (there is an upper and a lower) should not make noise.

There was a TSB on the Altimas to simply remove the upper chain guide to
eliminate the rattle. Worn belt tensioner pulleys and cracked accessory
belts can also cause a similar sounding rattle. These things are minor
maintenance items.

On the other hand, if the engine has not had regular oil changes, the
chains, or the chain tensioners, could be in bad shape. If that is the case,
you should not buy this car, because replacing the chains, especially the
lower chain, is an expense on the order of an engine overhaul.

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dreiden.com - 21 Apr 2006 19:52 GMT

Alternatively, these KA24DE motors are fairly cheap, so if you find the
car to be in good condition and there is no damage to teh frame/
underbosy, you can drive it as is untill the motor blows or the timing
issue escalates then replace the motor with a 2000-01 and you'll be
fine. The cost of the lower KM motor and install should be around teh
same as changing the timing chain and rebuilding.

good luck

A.A

Dreiden Business Solutions - Toronto Web Design
www.dreiden.com

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