1997 Nissan Maxima Timing Chain Break

1997 NISSAN MAXIMA
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PEARCE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I resently had a timing chain break on my 97 Maxima 3.0. I need to make a decision on if it is fixable or junk. If there is clearance I'll fix it and see what happens, if there is no clearance, I'll assume it's junk.

It has 210K miles, and has been a dream car since I bought it. Really hate to see it go, but dont' want to spend a fortune fixing it either. :(
Apr 13, 2006 at 12:00 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
It is a close tolerance engine and i suspect you have wiped the valves. At 210K it is nearing the end of it's life. Try a local salvage yard and see how many yearsinterchange and put is a good lower mileage engine is you like to save such a great car. Good luck
Apr 13, 2006 at 10:41 AM
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Suggested Repair

Treat the engine as likely valve-damaged after the timing chain failure. Rather than rebuilding the high-mileage close-tolerance engine, source a good lower-mileage interchangeable engine from a salvage yard if you want to keep the car.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1997 Nissan Maxima 3.0 with 210,000 miles had a timing chain break and asked whether piston-to-valve clearance would show if the engine was worth repairing. The expert said it is a close-tolerance engine and the valves were likely wiped, and recommended a lower-mileage salvage engine if the owner wants to save the car.

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