need a way to retain the timing chain

ANSWER : The best way to approach this unfortunately is by using a timing chain tool retainer/holder tool. You may consider having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home replace the timing chain.

ANSWER : This system is a bit complex. I can give you some instructions, but I highly recommend getting a hold of a repair manual or purchasing a yearly subscription for just your vehicle from AllData. It is only $25 for a years subscription from AllData.

There are two separate sets of marks on this system. One set is for aligning the timing chain to the camshaft gears and the intermediate shaft gear. There will be marks on the chain that raps around the crankshaft gear as well. These marks will not line up after you turn the motor over.The other marks are on the inside of the camshaft gears and align with the cylinder head parting line. If you were to draw a ling through the center of both camshaft gears, they should line up with that imaginary line.

The crankshaft key way should be aligned with the mating face of the main bearing cap. You can confirm it is in the correct position by verifying the number one piston is at top dead center. If you have removed the balance shaft timing chain, these marks really need a visual diagram to understand where they should be aligned. Without a diagram I am not very confident it can be explained very clearly.

This may be difficult to to follow, so again I highly recommend purchasing a repair manual in digital form or a book. If you feel this is over your head, I recommend the following inspection to help you out. Timing chain replacement

Good luck! I hope I was able to help you.

ANSWER : Hey there. I would recommend checking the camshaft position sensor as this sensor is located near the timing components, to be sure that it is plugged in correctly and working properly. I would also suggest checking the crankshaft position sensor just to be sure it is also plugged in correctly.

As you know, both of these sensors will impact whether or not the motor will produce spark. If either of these are not the problem, you may want to then begin testing the ignition coils for power to be sure they are providing current to the spark plug wires. If you would like to have a professional scope this out for you, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the issue getting spark.

ANSWER : Hi there. One of the cool things about Nissan four cylinder engines is that they have a timing chain as opposed to a belt. This helps to extend parts life and reduce internal engine failure. The key is to stay on top of routine oil changes and service; including flushing radiator frequently to avoid overheating problems.

ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. Timing change themselves cannot cause an oil leak but the timing chain cover can cause an oil leak. In order to replace the timing cover gasket, you will have to remove the serpentine belt and anything that has belt driven. This includes the alternator power steering pump air conditioning compressor and crankshaft pulley as well as the water pump. Once all of this is remove the timing cover can be removed and the gasket can be replaced. I would strongly recommend having this job performed by a professional as many parts are required to be removed in order to even access the timing cover. Here at YourMechanic, we can have a technician come to your home or office to perform this replacement for you.

ANSWER : Hello – if the mechanic waited until the car was re-assembled after the water pump job to suggest timing chain repair, then "yes", s/he was not doing you any favor. Doing the timing chain repair separately is essentially repeating the labor. There are a number of related parts involved in a timing chain service: the timing chain itself, one or more timing chain guides, a tensioner, an idler puller(sometimes), and various o-rings and seals. Many parts manufacturers package these as a "kit", and the technician simply orders the correct kit for your engine in order to be sure they get all the right bits. I recommend a timing chain service performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

ANSWER : Hi there. Anytime you replace the cylinder heads, and internal engine components, it is highly recommended to ensure they connect correctly with lower engine components; such as the crankshaft. This is the job of the timing chain. It’s also possible that the chain may have been damaged during the overheating situation that warped the cylinder head. In this case, I believe the mechanics advice is warranted.

ANSWER : Hi there – there are "camshaft timing tools" specific to every engine which are used for camshaft component repair to avoid just this scenario.These specialized tools keep the camshafts and crankshaft locked in the proper position ("crankshaft top dead center", aka TDC), so as to avoid camshaft and crankshaft movement, which could bend the valves while making other repairs. First task is to purchase or borrow these tools, carefully first turn each cam to its "TDC" position to install each camshaft fixture. Then make sure the crankshaft is at TDC, and install the crankshaft locking fixture if this has not already been done when removing the crankshaft damper pulley bolt. You will also need specialized tooling to adjust the camshaft phasers, the "variable timing" components located at the front of the camshaft. Follow the manufacturers service procedure for reinstalling cam chain guides, tensioner, chains, tensioner, etc. and timing the cams. For assistance, I recommend a timing chain replacement service performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.