Ugh. Yeah, that bolt. I took the expensive by-the-book route. That was after I tried every other method that didn't work. Felt great when it broke free too, like on par with an orgasm..

 

Anyone, not install these bolts that are for the idler pulley? If so any issues?


Circled in red above

 

The quote contains the reason why you should. Will something catastrophic happen? Probably not. Why take the chance? You already have the bolts, just reinstall them.

 

Actually the quote contains a possible reason why you should; that’s not what I asked. If his/her theory were correct then why would Nissan have eliminated these bolts on later DE and rev-up motors all together?

I’m looking for feedback from anyone who hasn’t reinstalled these bolts. Worse come to worst I’ve got a spare motor here, I’ll look into the mechanics myself.

 

Honestly the size of the bolts says they are structural. If they only held the pulley they would be much smaller. Even if they aren't structural it is better to keep them in to keep crap out of the holes and less chance of oil leaks.

 

They eliminated the pulley and bolts and therefore built the timing case in a way that did not require them.

Your choice to install them or not, but you assume and are responsible for any risks involved and damage that may result. Why risk a motor over three bolts?