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Timing Chain/Guides - Preventative or Wait for Symptoms?
Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:28 am
by Brmadsenad
My 2008 SE 4.0 is at 198k miles.
Runs great. Everything works. No whine, no strange sounds from engine or valve train.
I'm inclined to wait for a problem, but could be convinced to replace timing chain components. Or maybe even put in a re-mannufactured engine.
Opinions on doing it "early" vs waiting for a problem?
Re: Timing Chain/Guides - Preventative or Wait for Symptoms?
Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2021 1:21 pm
by silverarrow27
Personally for me, I'd wait until there's a problem if there ever will be. That's the whole selling point for me when purchasing a vehicle, timing chain>timing belt.
Re: Timing Chain/Guides - Preventative or Wait for Symptoms?
Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2021 2:23 pm
by palmerwmd
Only a subset of 05-10 VQ40 de had the substandard (badly made, due to wearing machine tools) parts installed.
Not all of them and perhaps not even the majority of them.
I owned a 2005 Xterra in the past with the exact same powertrain as a V6 R51,
No strange noises of any kind, so I did not take any action.
This is even though I am a perfectionist with preventative maintenance (for example to prevent SMOD, I did new radiator on that 05 the day the car drove off the lot).
But this is not that level of threat.
By all accounts from those affected, it will be obvious and give lots of warning over a significant time frame.
I wouldn't worry about it until (and IF, which may never happen) you start hearing funny noises.
And unlike SMOD if you do, you can take your time with it (within reason) to get to it.
Re: Timing Chain/Guides - Preventative or Wait for Symptoms?
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 3:26 am
by smj999smj
Unless it's making the "whine" noise, I'd let it go.
Re: Timing Chain/Guides - Preventative or Wait for Symptoms?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 10:11 am
by Brmadsenad
Thanks, y'all.
Where I hear no whine, I'm going to just keep up on oil changes and see where it goes.
I have had no problems with radiator/SMOD. Only "classic" problems I've had were with plastic cooling fittings breaking at back of engine a few years ago. Replaced that whole assembly.
Other than that its been "wear parts". That includes most of the front suspension. But mostly problem free. Going to see how long that lasts!
Re: Timing Chain/Guides - Preventative or Wait for Symptoms?
Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2021 4:20 pm
by palmerwmd
Brmadsenad wrote: ↑Wed Jan 27, 2021 10:11 am
I have had no problems with radiator/SMOD. Only "classic" problems I've had were with plastic cooling fittings breaking at back of engine a few years ago. Replaced that whole assembly.
When SMOD does happen it can be sudden and take out your tranny quickly and completely.
If you have done at least the bypass please conider doing it ASAP.
Here is a thread about it:
about-to-be-new-owner-radiator-question-t17198.html