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Problem Reports » Timing Chain Noise May Lead to Timing Chain Failure on Higher Mileage Vehicles

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Nissan Sentra

Report: Timing Chain Noise May Lead to Timing Chain Failure on Higher Mileage Vehicles

Nissan Sentra Problem

15 Reports

Me Too

Model Years Affected: 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

Engine Affected: 1.6L 4 Cylinder

Average Mileage: 151,375 mi (131,000 mi - 201,877 mi)

Excessive timing chain noise, a rattling or ticking, on higher mileage cars may lead to timing chain failure, which can cause engine damage. There are upgraded chain tension guides with a steel backing to improve durability and a modified repair procedure no longer requires the removal of the cylinder head to replace the timing chain. Maintaining proper engine oil level and frequent oil changes are important to ensure the long-term durability of this engine.

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Visitor, 1997 Nissan Sentra, 201,877 mi

Loud timing chain noise and loud engine knock. It bent my valves and now i need a new engine

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Visitor, 1998 Nissan Sentra, 1.6L 4 Cylinder, 140,000 mi

Followup to previous report:

I took my '98 Sentra to my friend's cheap mechanic who does well with old American cars. He said the noise was "normal for Nissans that age" and not to worry about it. It also had low power on acceleration.

I took it to a friend at TechShop who used to be a professional mechanic, and he changed out the timing chain guide. The plastic layer had worn down to the metal, causing the clicking noise. However, I had followed up on the noise before the friction damaged the timing chain itself. The parts were $50 and he charged less than $200 total to fix what the pros said was a $1200-2000 problem.

Car runs great again.

I don't know if my friend's mechanic is just ignorant about this issue and the cheap fix, or if he's hoping he can get to charge for the full timing chain replacement or a new engine in a few months. Telling me to ignore the noise is negligent when it indicates damage to the timing chain.

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KHedges, 1998 Nissan Sentra, 1.6L 4 Cylinder, 140,000 mi

Rookie
My mechanic told me the clicking noise from my engine was the timing chain tensioners and it was common on Nissans this age. It's been low on power too. He wants $1200 to replace the chain and tensioners.

Since there's a repair procedure that doesn't involve pulling the head, I think it's worth getting a second opinion.

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Visitor, 1995 Nissan Sentra, 131,000 mi

same as above

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Visitor, 1994 Nissan Sentra, 1.6L 4 Cylinder, 144,000 mi

Engine stalling and low on power. Also noisey in timing chain area. Mechanic checked and says timing chain guide has failed and because cylinder needs to come off, it will cost $1700. to repair. Car is not worth it, will have to junk out ): .

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Visitor, 1997 Nissan Sentra, 201,877 mi

Loud timing chain noise and loud engine knock. It bent my valves and now i need a new engine

Flag This

Like0
Visitor, 1998 Nissan Sentra, 1.6L 4 Cylinder, 140,000 mi

Followup to previous report:

I took my '98 Sentra to my friend's cheap mechanic who does well with old American cars. He said the noise was "normal for Nissans that age" and not to worry about it. It also had low power on acceleration.

I took it to a friend at TechShop who used to be a professional mechanic, and he changed out the timing chain guide. The plastic layer had worn down to the metal, causing the clicking noise. However, I had followed up on the noise before the friction damaged the timing chain itself. The parts were $50 and he charged less than $200 total to fix what the pros said was a $1200-2000 problem.

Car runs great again.

I don't know if my friend's mechanic is just ignorant about this issue and the cheap fix, or if he's hoping he can get to charge for the full timing chain replacement or a new engine in a few months. Telling me to ignore the noise is negligent when it indicates damage to the timing chain.

Flag This

Like0
KHedges, 1998 Nissan Sentra, 1.6L 4 Cylinder, 140,000 mi

Rookie
My mechanic told me the clicking noise from my engine was the timing chain tensioners and it was common on Nissans this age. It's been low on power too. He wants $1200 to replace the chain and tensioners.

Since there's a repair procedure that doesn't involve pulling the head, I think it's worth getting a second opinion.

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Visitor, 1995 Nissan Sentra, 131,000 mi

same as above

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Visitor, 1994 Nissan Sentra, 1.6L 4 Cylinder, 144,000 mi

Engine stalling and low on power. Also noisey in timing chain area. Mechanic checked and says timing chain guide has failed and because cylinder needs to come off, it will cost $1700. to repair. Car is not worth it, will have to junk out ): .

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Nissan Sentra

Report: Timing Chain Noise May Lead to Timing Chain Failure on Higher Mileage Vehicles

Nissan Sentra Problem