Ignition timing

Hmm, I am assuming that you changed the whole timing set, right? If the car jumped time while it was running, you could have bent a valve or two. If my memory is correct, this is an interference/impulse engine. I do not remember the specifics of it off hand, but when they jump time while running, the top half of the engine can actually run backwards for a stroke or two while the bottom half is going the other way, causing you to bend valves. A bent valve could be causing your car to run badly.

Also, if you used aftermarket parts, it is possible that there is just too much slack in the aftermarket parts.

Finally, if I am not mistaken, Nissan did do an update to something in the timing chain guides some years ago. But the last I checked, the updated parts are only available at the dealership. Aftermarket companies have not got into that as far as I know.

There may not be much slack when the engine is cold, but when that chain warms up, it does expand some. Run compression tests on the cylinders. You can borrow a compression test gauge from AutoZone. If compression is low, then we can bet on bent valves. Compression should be between 142 and 192psi with not more than 14psi variance between the cylinders. Good compression rules out the bent valves for sure.

Hello PARKER HEER,

Here is a link to an article from our site with written step by step instructions, pictures and video to guide you:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

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