They do not appear to be a different part. It looks like the post is still as cast and that it some how came out of the lathe while machining causing the angled groove. The chamfer is different because it still has cast machine stock on it.

 

I got them from z1, ipp or Nissan itself, I can't remember

 

So a manufacturing defect you think?

 

Johnwigs, you think it happened in my motor? Everything was very clean in there.

 

Yes

 

I know this is an old thread, but I thought I would go ahead and update and ask for any additional advice. Long story short, I got burnt out of this car and so it sat for quite a while. I thought I would pull the sprocket covers again to see what was going on with this. Drivers side is fine, pass side is damaged again. And this puts that part of it to rest, it is being damaged because I know these were identical when I put them on. Pictures speak for themselves, especially the last one, any ideas?

 

Long time no speak sir!!! As for the cover damage... Something is mid-aligned somewhere, big question is what...

 

It was mentioned earlier in here about the timing chain cover being misaligned, could that be in even though I have the dowels in place?

 

I don't really see the timing cover being off, I was more or less thinkin more stuff in the head

 

I read somewhere else there is a timing cover alignment procedure in the FSM, I could not find it. Does anyone know about that?

 

I don't remember an alignment procedure. I remember a tightening guide, I think. If you really want to dig in, and make sure, I would take the cam out and check for wear where it bolts in