Nissan Timing chain question

[tdark]

  I own a 1990 Nissan hard-body with a  KA24E SOHC engine. I bought the truck new in 1990. The truck has 188,000 on it now. It is still as clean as the day I bought it but like most Nissan KA24E it developed severe timing chain rattle when first cranking. It will not make this noise unless it has sit for a few days , well not as loud anyway. I replaced the chain 11 years ago because I thought it had jumped but later found it had not. It had been making the noise like it is now but not as bad as now.  I bought after market parts from Carquest back then. The noise when it is first cranks has always been there since I replaced the chain and guides but nothing like it is now. I know oil pressure puts tension on the chain. I have read where the oil hole can plug up and cause this problem. Not sure that is the case but maybe someone here knows more about that. I would like to use OEM parts and was wondering if anyone here know anything about Preferred Components and ITM Engine parts? There is not a Nissan dealer close to me. I do not want to go to the trouble to do this job again and use cheap parts so any tips would appreciated. I seen the parts listed on ebay fir $129 with new cover. Being out of the automotive business for 14 years I am not sure that is a good deal or not. Also I have tried all brands of oil filters including OEM and no difference in rattle after sitting.  Thanks for any help on this. Tom,

[Jim Fairbanks]

Hey Tom...there is a tsb about it and they list an improved chain guide...I don't know if you used the new style when you did it before, but this might be worth looking into...these are also supposed to be the dealer price on the parts......might give you an idea of what they should cost......Jim......Engine - Rattle or Knock/Poor Performance, Hard/No Start
 
 
Date: March 22, 1995

Reference: NTB95-027

Classification: EM95-04

KA24E TENSION SIDE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE BROKEN

APPLIED VEHICLES:
1990-94 Truck (D21)
1989-90 240SX (S13)
1990-92 Stanza (U12)
1990 Axxess (M11)

SERVICE INFORMATIONIf the tension side timing chain guide breaks it usually causes a rattle or knocking noise from the front of the engine. This may also cause poor engine performance or hard/no start. If this incident has occurred, install the countermeasure guide listed.

If servicing the timing chain or replacing a long block, check to see if it has the steel-backed tension side guide. If not, please replace it with the countermeasure guide, including the two bolts listed. Due to the changes made to the guide, new style bolts are required.

For additional information regarding the 1989 countermeasure timing chain guide (slack side), refer to technical bulletin NTB89-028.Timing Chain Guide
   Tensioner Rail
      29 - Tension Side 1308540F00 $19.17
         29 - 63 1308540F10 $15.87
      29 - Slack Side 1309140F15 $61.02
Timing Chain
   27 - Timing Chain 130288B000 $59.08

 
 
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[tdark]

Thanks Jim, for some reason I have not been able to log back in to reply. It kept telling me incorrect password. Anyway I appreciate the tips. I will tear into this thing soon. The rattle has got really bad but not every time I start it. I let it sit for three days and no rattle. I let it sit for one day and it sounded like it was coming apart. It is too good a truck to trash the motor on by not fixing it now. I will keep you updated. Tom