Not quite understanding automatic cam adjustment (2003 Pathfinder)?

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linuxiscool - 13 Dec 2007 20:41 GMT

I have a 2003 Pathfinder. The mechanic discussed with me that there is
some sort of hydraulic cam adjuster that is having trouble. I believe
the cam basically rotates and has bumps on it that work a lever that
open and closes the valves (affects timing of the opening and closing
of valves). He said that this cam adjuster is hydraulically controlled
by the oil in the car (use normal engine oil?). I also think he
mentioned something about the cam adjuster controls the index, which I
was interested in roughly how this works. It seems to affect the
horsepower and perhaps the timing. Thanks for any insights and
corrections in my understanding (autoshop was many years ago).

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NissTech - 14 Dec 2007 03:15 GMT

Let me guess, your pathpuppie has set a code of one of the intake cam timing
sensors ?

if so replace the sensor for the effected bank of cylinders, very common
failure.

> I have a 2003 Pathfinder. The mechanic discussed with me that there is
> some sort of hydraulic cam adjuster that is having trouble. I believe
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> horsepower and perhaps the timing. Thanks for any insights and
> corrections in my understanding (autoshop was many years ago).

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linuxiscool - 03 Jan 2008 20:10 GMT

> Let me guess, your pathpuppie has set a code of one of the intake cam timing
> sensors ?
>
> if so replace the sensor for the effected bank of cylinders, very common
> failure.

I am not sure the code, but he said the oil was kind of black, low and
old. He ended up replacing a valve, and told me to keep an eye on the
oil and change it regularily. Apparently it works hydraulically from
the same oil as the engine uses.

I believe this cam timing mechanism of sorts, changes the timing to
optimize the torque.

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