btatbui1820

We wanted to share an experience to potentially save folks in the future for unnecessary work and cost. We had a very reputable shop that worked on our cars for years and a Nissan dealership diagnosed what sounded like a timing chain slapping and chatter in our car to the a tensioner/timing chain/guide issue.

After we got the work done, the mechanic said it was the water pump seized up at the bearing and the engine would force the water pump to turn, creating that sound. We got the three chains, the main guide, tensioner, water pump and thermostat replaced which cost us $1200. All OEM parts. He said if it was just the water pump, the cost would have been $400 complete. I think we got a reasonable price with the work, but wanted to share to others to check for the water pump before proceeding with the more comprehensive work. If others ran into this situation, please provide charm in.

zakmartin

How many miles on the engine and what year?

btatbui1820

2004 Nissan 350Z Touring at 142K. There is now, a new service engine soon light on after the timing chain replacement. I was already at the mechanic's place so let him take a look at it. He said something about solenoid VVT, but had the computer hooked up and testing it. Everything looks good then so the light should not turn on.

Could anything repaired during the timing chain change cause this issue? It might be a one time occurence since it is too early to tell and this is the first time that we saw the code. Wish that I had the OBDII reader with me or asked for the code then.

Thanks,

zakmartin

With that many miles and years though, a lot of things could throw a coincidental CEL, but you really do need the code as a starting point. Can you call the shop to get it from them?

The first thought that crossed my mind was a bad crankshaft position sensor (maybe it got damaged when they were working on the chain?)

btatbui1820

The mechanic said the codes are P0011 and P0021. He said that check engine is not on but it is pending for a different code. I have no idea what that means,

Atreyu'z 350

If your mechanic disconnected the battery prior to the repair or cleared those codes, it could just mean that the vehicle hasn't completed the readiness/drive cycle; which usually takes 30 - 50 miles of normal driving to complete.. I'm assuming that's what he could mean. Just ask him.

btatbui1820

The P0011 and P0021 was the result of oil pressure drops. Normally 12-18 PSI, but drops to 10 PSI a few times which triggers the code. When the timing chain was replaced, the mechanic mentioned that he checked the Rear Timing Cover Oil Gallery Gasket to make sure that it was good before completing the job. We will drive for awhile and see. Heard that high mileage oil helps with oil pressure? The car originally has new Castrol Edge Extended Performance 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil (about 100 miles of use before the timing chain change) without this issue. After the timing chain replacement, the mechanic said that he changed the oil to Nissan Synthetic oil, but kept the original filter. Could the Nissan Synthetic oil be the issue on such a high mileage car?