Is the 2004 G35 engine an interference design? Meaning, if the timing chain broke, would the valves smash into the pistons? I did a search and did not find the answer.

Thanks,
Mike

 

that would suck

 

Most likely yes. But, seeing as this has a timing CHAIN and not a timing BELT, you don't need to worry about it breaking. The chain will outlast the rest of the engine, and should be replaced if the engine ever gets fully rebuilt.

 

Thanks for the replies. A friend of mine just had his belt snap (he has some other silly non-g35 vehicle) and the engine is completely demolished. This is something to consider when buying a car. Personally, I think selling an engine with an interference design and using a rubber belt is criminal. It is just one of the reasons I chose the G four years ago - no worries - smart design.

I used to drive an Audi. Interference design, belt driven. The timing belt on that car ALSO drove the water pump! I heard a few stories of water pump bearings going early, binding up just enough to break the timing belt and completely destroying the engine.

 

The VQ cam chain is pretty bulletproof but the chain tensioner will wear out. Usually around 150K miles. It will start making noise before it gets really bad. If you let it go too long, the chain can skip some cam gear teeth and then you will have big problems.

 

I had this happen to my old 240SX, however, the tensioner wore out way before 150k (like around 70k).

The chain was not properly tensioned for a period of time, swung wildly and eventually ate through its housing causing a mixture of coolant and oil and putting a rod through the engine.