So, I replaced the water pump in my 03 sedan, and was in the process of replacing the primary tensioner. Well, the chain suddenly went tight on the tensioner side as I was using finger pressure to keep the tension arm up so I could install the tensioner. Im afraid the chain jumped position,, but not sure. Is there a way to check this? I need to button this thing up, but it is constantly one problem after another. Is it even possible for the chain to jump position? The water pump was installed, but the tensioner side was slack. Any help greatly appreciated.

 

Yes it's possible for it to jump a tooth, on a 2003 you had the timing cover completely off for this process, just look at the alignment marks on cam/crank/chain, are they all in the correct locations?

 

Timing cover wasnt off. Just the access panels for pump and tensioner. Im wondering if its possible to check alignment based on what visible. I can pull the cam end covers off, but dont think those allow visualization of the chains.

 

Ugg. Ima just take it to a garage tomorrow. Going to have them do the plastic guides and reset timing. Hopefully, I can find a shop that will agree to start where I left off. I still have all belts and pullys off, ready to begin a timing cover job.

 

That's the same thing that happened to me when I did the water pump. I ended up taking off the cover, replacing the tensioner, main guide rails, and the water pump. Cost me about 500 bucks in new parts from the Nissan dealership. If you take it to the dealer or mechanic get prepared for a heavy repair bill. I was quoted over 1K by a Nissan dealer just for labor. I did it myself over a few weeks and it was my first major repair like that. I also made a long post on here about it showing what tools and what I did to get it done.

Apparently, Jim Wolf Technology released some templates years ago where if you take off the cam cover on the timing chain it should line up. I never tested it though...

* Make you sure you tell them that there is two hidden bolts on the bottom of the cover that can only be removed by taking the lower oil pan off.

 

Im currently cleaning the garage to make more room for a big job . hopefully tomorrow i will find a shop. Suucks a 50 dollar job now a 1000+ dollar job just because i wasnt careful enough about tdc and cam tension. Im prepared either way,,, do it myself or pay $$$$ . Got 2 paychecks coming in. Say byby to my hard earned $$!
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Well, I would recommend checking out my post that I made https://g35driver.com/forums/engine-...ing-chain.html. I think I put down jsut about all the parts and numbers I used. Also, some tips I came across when I had to take off the idler pulley bracket and the crank pulley.