Engine - Timing Chain Noise

Classification:
EM00-003

Reference:
NTB00-054

Date:
June 19, 2000

1997-99 MAXIMA VQ30 ENGINE TIMING CHAIN NOISE

APPLIED VEHICLE:
1997-99 Maxima (A32)

APPLIED VIN:
Before JN1CA31D1YT746029

APPLIED DATE:
Before December 12, 1999

APPLIED ENGINE #:
Before VQ30-192142
Refer to SERVICE-COMM

SERVICE INFORMATION

A new timing chain tensioner gasket is available to repair an Applied Vehicle if it has a specific rattle noise coming from the front of the engine in the area of the timing chain cover. This noise, if it occurs, may last for several seconds when the engine is started after a cold soak, and it may not be duplicated on subsequent starts, or during normal operation. If it occurs, the cause of this incident may be oil leaking out of the primary (lower) chain tensioner, between the tensioner body and the rear timing cover, while the vehicle is parked overnight.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Verify the engine noise is coming from behind the timing chain cover area and occurs under the conditions described above.





2. Remove the inspection cover for the primary (lower) chain tensioner. See Figure 1 for the primary (lower) chain tensioner location.

3. Remove the primary (lower) chain tensioner. Check to make sure the oil feed passage to the primary (lower) chain tensioner is clear:

a. Remove the engine oil filter.

b. Cover the chain tensioner oil feed hole on the front of the block with a rag to catch any oil that may be blown out of the oil feed passage.

c. Apply shop air to the oil filter mounting stud to pressurize the oil system. Once the oil from the passages has cleared, a steady stream of air from the primary (lower) chain tensioner oil feed hole should be noted. If not, thoroughly clean the passage and recheck to ensure good oil flow.

NOTE:
The oil feed passage must be clear and pass air freely before installing the new tensioner gasket.

4. Install a new primary (lower) chain tensioner gasket using the part listed in the Parts Information table in this bulletin.

NOTE:
Do NOT use any gasket sealer on the new tensioner gasket.

5. Reinstall the primary (lower) chain tensioner inspection cover:

a. Use a scraper to remove all traces of liquid gasket from the timing chain case and the inspection cover.

b. Sparingly apply a continuous bead of Nissan Genuine RTV silicone (P/N 999MP-A7007) to the mating surface of the inspection cover.

c. Install the inspection cover. Cover bolt torque: 87 - 113 in-lb. (1.0 - 1.3 kg-m).

6. Install a new engine oil filter.

NOTE:
It is recommended that the engine oil be changed at this time, as well.

7. Start the engine and let it idle. This will clear any air from the oil feed passages that was trapped there in step 3c.

8. Stop the engine, allow the vehicle to completely cool down and retest for the noise.

NOTE:
If there is still noise after step 8, inspect the secondary (upper) chain tensioners. Refer to the EM section of the appropriate Service Manual.





PARTS INFORMATION

CLAIMS INFORMATION





Submit a Primary Failed Part (PP) line using the claims coding as shown.