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]

Timing chain

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.

 

[Kra503]

I realize this is an old thread and the original poster and other members may not even see it but just to clear it up and let other people know what the truth is on this matter I have to say that Kaih23 is not correct on this issue and as a state of Michigan and ASE licensed mechanic I have seen plenty of timing chains stretch and jump and not only that on a majority of newer interference engines the timing chain tensioners are hydraulic and those fail as well as the plastic timing chain guides wearing out, so to say chains are steel and anyone saying they fail and have a service interval is full of BS is just plain wrong and irresponsible advice.

 

[carusoswi]

I realize this is an old thread and the original poster and other members may not even see it but just to clear it up and let other people know what the truth is on this matter I have to say that Kaih23 is not correct on this issue and as a state of Michigan and ASE licensed mechanic I have seen plenty of timing chains stretch and jump and not only that on a majority of newer interference engines the timing chain tensioners are hydraulic and those fail as well as the plastic timing chain guides wearing out, so to say chains are steel and anyone saying they fail and have a service interval is full of BS is just plain wrong and irresponsible advice.

Well, the thread is even older now, and I'm reading as I sit in the dealership (getting a master key and fob programmed for my recently purchased '03 i35 w/ 48k original miles.

I was skeptical that the i35 engine was of the interference type (told by the dealership that it is, bad me), but also advised that they have never seen an occurrence of a catastrophically failed chain. Stick to rudimentary service, and you will never experience a problem with the timing chain.

I think it is a given that dealership service is designed as an additional profit center, and these folks have no reason to offer me the above advice except that it is, apparently, true.

I drove a Mitsubishi '98 Eclipse GSX to 498,000 miles. Great car, ran great until the day some inattentive teen rear-ended it and totaled it. But, I am here to tell you that those copious miles were not without considerable expense. Timing belts were a major expenditure, and the service interval on them was 60,000 miles. Clutch slave cylinders was another week point, and, towards the end, a fuel pump (that was installed wrong such that the sending unit could not take the fuel gauge to empty - no way to know when you were running out of fuel - bummer).

I loved that car (generally love whatever car I am driving at the moment), took great care of her, turbo-charged four was bullet proof, but, have to say that I like the i35 much better.

Larger, more comfy, plenty of spirit, and love all the luxury touches. Stereo blows away the one in my Mitsu.

Sorry to rant (what else can you do when you are stuck in the dealership waiting on your car - at least they offer this computer as a form of diversion).

Happy driving.

Caruso