best way to check timing chain..

[CMF_cookiesmicra]

Silly question but my micra has been making a slight grinding sound for a while now at idle but today decided to get loud. Thinking it may be timing chain whats the easyest way to check the chain

 

[CMF_frank2]

best to take the cam cover off mate, the upper tensioner is hydraulic and internal ratchet, the lower one is hydraulic only

 

[CMF_cookiesmicra]

How do.i tell.of the chain is rooted frank?

 

[CMF_plattsy]

Is it possible to tighten the chain frank?

 

[CMF_frank2]

the tensioners keep them tight eh, but if they are fully extended then its new chain time

 

[CMF_cookiesmicra]

Sweet ill look into it tomorow

 

[CMF_plattsy]

Nightmare... Mine is noisy as hell

 

[CMF_frank2]

plattsy WROTE:

"Nightmare... Mine is noisy as hell

you might get away with changing the top chain plattsy, my old super s top chain nearly let go @ 100k miles (1 bad link, and very noisy) but the lower chain was still servicable when i broke/parted the car @ 132k miles

 

[CMF_plattsy]

thanks frank (sorry to op for hijacking thread)

when i can get the stripped screws out of the rocker cover ill whip it off and the chain cover and have a look.

can you suggest somewhere to look for the individual parts frank? top chain and tensioner as opposed to buying a whole kit?

 

[CMF_frank2]

i,ve only used partworn stuff tbh mate, and i,ve yet to see any worn sprockets, a copy/spurious top chain and tensioner will probably make yours a lot quieter.
changing the lower one is a mission tho

 

[CMF_plattsy]

yea ive heard.... im hoping it is the top tensioner thats loose. at 300000km it'd prob be cheaper just to drop another engine in if the bottom chain has gone!

 

[CMF_cookiesmicra]

Is the lower chainent to be slack when the engine isnt running? Or does that mean iv got a rooted timing chain?

 

[CMF_plattsy]

hey man. i found a timing chain kit on ebay. no idea if this is cheap of exxy. heard its the labor thats a killer any way!

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/221240919163?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[CMF_cookiesmicra]

Wow the ones i found other night were 600+

 

[CMF_plattsy]

I know right!!!!!

 

[CMF_frank2]

plattsy WROTE:

"hey man. i found a timing chain kit on ebay. no idea if this is cheap of exxy. heard its the labor thats a killer any way!

the top chain is only a half hour job, if you have done one before

 

[CMF_plattsy]

I just need to find half a kit haha!!! Have to replace top tensioner too frank?

 

[CMF_frank2]

plattsy WROTE:

Have to replace top tensioner too frank?

that will depend on the condition of your nylon pad mate, 1 or 2mm of wear is normal

 

[CMF_plattsy]

brilliant. thanks frank! youve been a great help!