My bad, I though you were saying you could save it . Since it is difficult with pictures to really tell if the gasket is in shape, I just provided a comment. Good to hear for sure it will be replaced.

No worries, My photos have not been that great. (my camera is starting to get greasy).

If you need another cover let me know.

Thanks but my old one is now repaired. My coworker even soda blasted it. He said it was to dirty to weld. I will post pics of it tomorrow.

The old guides and tensioner:

One strange thing that I noticed was that the bright links on the chain did not line up with the number 1 dimple on the cam sprocket. as a matter of fact the dimple was between two links. This may not matter as long as who ever installed the chain last counted the links correctly.

Another strange thing was that I could find no dimple on the crank sprocket. At least till I removed it and found that the dimple was there just on the engine side not facing out.

So now I am wondering how off my mechanical timing has been this whole time.

Just a thought, Could improper mechanical timing have an impact on compression readings?

Edited July 24, 201212 yr by grantf

Wow, the old tensioner and guides are toast. Your engine will be easier to time now that the crank sprocket is around the correct way,

and you just might unleash a few more ponies.

Wow, the old tensioner and guides are toast. Your engine will be easier to time now that the crank sprocket is around the correct way,

and you just might unleash a few more ponies.

Yes very toasty. Note the worn metal on the chain tensioner, I think this may have been the source of the sound!

Ok new question: Which way is the oil slinger "oil thrower" installed cupped toward the engine or front of car? or just leave it off?

Edited July 24, 201212 yr by grantf

The slinger is fitted with the cup on the perimeter facing the engine. Nissan saw fit to make one to go on there, so if it were me i would put it on. Can't do any harm.

The slinger is fitted with the cup on the perimeter facing the engine. Nissan saw fit to make one to go on there, so if it were me i would put it on. Can't do any harm.

engine side................. fan side ?

....................... )

..................... [

..................... [

....................... )

Edited July 24, 201212 yr by grantf

engine side................. fan side ?

....................... )

..................... [

..................... [

....................... )

Facing towards the engine.

Progress today!

First off I got the front cover back:

If I did not work with a professional machine and weld guy I would have replaced the cover, but I am happy with the outcome.

Also the timing set arrived today:

I am happy that the mechanical timing is now correct and the chain is installed correctly. I think I noticed another error from who ever installed the last chain. The top of the passenger side tensioner was left slack I could tell from the bolt marks on it that it was tightened down in the loose position causing premature chain slack.

Looking good.

That FSM is handy for those kind of questions. Bet your ready to get it running!!!

Now that's a good looking timing chain! Can't wait for you to fire her up.

That FSM is handy for those kind of questions. Bet your ready to get it running!!!

Yes! the Flying Spaghetti Monster is handy and has answered many questions, but you guys help out when things become a bit vauge.

For some reason I hate dismantling my car, but I really enjoy the reasembly process. I can take my time and everything is clean.

One question--- how did you get the cover so clean, inside and out?