timing chain replacement on my 1997 infiniti I30?

[redhottennis]

I have an infiniti I30 and am driving to florida from texas. it's got a little over 180000 miles on it. I got the serpentine belt changed yesterday cause it was cracking. The guy said I also should change the timing chain cause if it snaps it hurts motor and other things. It's not making any noise or anything right now and it is expensive to change the timing chain. Should I get it changed because of the mileage on car and a long drive ahead or should I wait until it starts making noises?

Also what else would I make sure is ready before I leave for Florida, I have not taken a big trip like that before.

[Mad Jack]

You are most likely on borrowed time with this timing chain. This is an interference engine. This means the valves must be in the correct position as the piston reaches the top of a stroke or the valve will crash into the piston. When this happens the engine is usually junk.

Interference engines usually require the timing chain or belts replaced ar regular intervals for this reason. The belt or chain can fail without warning. It doesn't need to make any noise to fail. When it fails the engine simply quits and won't start. One or more valves will either be bent or broken. The cylinder head, piston, or cylinder can be damaged.

[kaih23]

That's BS. Timing Chains only needs adjustment. They are made of high tensile strength stainless stell that NEVER needs replacing. You can you have 300,000 miles on it and you'll be fine. If it makes noise, you need the mechanic to go in to tighten the tensioner because over time it requires adjustment.


ONLY timing belts requires changing because they are rubber and will weaken over time. Which is why BMW and infiniti vehicles uses Timing chains. My dad's first car in 1982 was a timing chain. The car died at 250,000 miles due to axial damage, timing chain still in tack.

All cars should use timing chains, but it cost more for the manufacturer (which means more expensive for you too) and the dealerships make less money on chain adjustments.

[worthyI30]

Thanks kaih23. I was just told that I HAD to change my timing chain on my 97 I30t but maybe I'll get it adjusted.

[bossbrakes]

The timing chain in these motors are very tough. I had the timing chain changed at 190,000 miles because it was "rattling", only to discover that the issue was NOT with the chain.
But the motor was already open, so the chain was changed anyways........
The wear on the chain was about 20%, judging by that the motor would run 500-600K miles..........
But one thing that needs to be done on the older motors is an oil flush to remove any old sludge and buildup.