U13 100000km service

[wicked]

Good day,

I'm hearing a slight 'tinking' sound coming from the engine (seems to be coming from under the CAMs). Has it got anything to do with the timing chain coming loose and require a adjustment? In addition, I'll like to service my 95 Bluebird LX. What needs to be on a 100000km service? Does the LSD oil, brake fluid etc need to be changed?  I think the previous owner puts mineral oil in the car and  I'm thinking of switching to semi-synthetic oil. Any recommendation for engine oil? I'm worried about the engine oil to use after reading an article saying older car shouldn't change to synthetic oil because of the dirt lifting effect of the synthetic oil. Any recommendation will be most appreciated. Thanks 

[Barnett]

go into your car......get out your service record book or whatever it is....and have a look mate ......

[Barnett]

[noss]

it'd be the same for any car, so here goes what i reckon you should get done..

replace engine oil
replace oil filter
inspect drive belts
check for oil leaks
check and adjust timing
inspect pcv valve
inspect vacuum hoses & connections
inspect exhaust
inspect cat converter
flush radiator and change coolant
inspect for coolant leakage
check air conditioning system
check evaporator drain tube and condenser fins
check fuel lines
check fuel rail
replace fuel filter
replace or clean air filter
check and adjust idle speed
check clutch fluid level
check clutch operation and free play
check for clutch fluid leaks
check gearbox oil level
check gearbox for leaks
insepct brake discs and pads
check brake fluid levels
check brake system for leaks
check and adjust handbrake as required
check pedal adjustment and freeplay
inspect suspension, shocks, springs, ball joints & boots, hub bearings and drive shaft boots
inspect the steering gear
lubricate the steering stops
check steering fluid level and system for leakage
check the horn, lights, wipers and washers
check washer fluid level
check battery terminal condition
inspect battery levels
check/replace spark plugs
check/replace leads
check inhibitor switch
check seat belts
check door, bonnet and boot locks and hinges
check tyres
check tyre pressure
check wheels

[wicked]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the suggestions. The previous owner service his own car and doesn't have a logbook (That's what worries me). I'll have the car checked as soon as possible. Just another two queries. Firstly, the slight 'tinking' sound coming from the engine, is that caused by a loose timing chain? Secondly, if the previous owner is using mineral oil (engine oil) for the past ten years, could I swap to semi/fully synthetic oil? What are the possible complications? Thanks.     

[noss]

going by what i've read you can change to semi synthetic but not full synthetic.

ticking could be a few things, there is a tech article on diagnosing ticking here:

http://www.antrx.com/tech/article.php?t=4436&a=noss

[wicked]

Thanks Noss, I'll check out the 'ticking' problem with the engine. Cheers! 

[greenbird]

With the Series 1 bluebirds, there was a timing chain guide bolted into the head. This guide is the cause of  more than 90% of the top end rattles in series 1 bluebirds. the solution to this problem is to take the guide out completely!!!! Nissan had recognised this problem and the Series 2 motor's came from the factory with the guide already removed.
You say that your car is a 95 model, which means it is probably a series 2, but it may be worth investigating further, incase you have a series 1 engine.
removal of this chain guide that causes the rattling is quite easy, just a matter of taking off the rocker cover and unbolting/removing it.

[mortz]

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but it's for a worthy cause....

Greenbird, would you be able to elaborate on the rattle you mentioned in the Series 1 bluebirds?

My '93 U13  seems to make a (not very nice) noise when idling.  It disappears above ~1100RPM, but it is present whether the engine is cold (first started) or hot (been driving around lots).  The sound can be amplified by placing a screwdriver on the valve rocker cover at the timing chain end and listening with the other end of the screwdriver.  Sort of like a metal scraping on metal sound.

In short - if this 'useless timing chain guide' is the problem - would I be able to post a pic of the engine (with the valve rocker cover off) and have someone identify it for me? (or is it buried further down in the engine).  I just don't want to remove something and then have the chain 'fall off' soon afterwards.....

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help!
PS - My Bluey has done 143,000KM.

[greenbird]

Gday Mortz, the timing chain rattle is pretty common with the KA24DE. It is nothing to get really worried about though.
Have a search at www.nissanforums.com ion the Altima (the same as our bluebirds) section. The guys over in the US have given plenty of good info regarding this rattle.
Dan.

[Ka-Bluey]

Might also pay to check that its not the altenator bearings. Put if on the altinator bracket somewhere and have a listen, could be it.

Was on my sisters Pulsar (i know its not same engine) i thought it was something to do under the rocker cover but was just the alternator.

Sorry if im wrong.

[mortz]

Thanks guys -

Good call with the alternator Ka-Bluey - as that's where I first thought it was coming from, and it kinda does sound like a bearing rattling sound.  I'll check it next time I start the car up.  It's just that you hear the scraping noise if you have the screwdriver on the rocker cover.

nissanforums seems to have pointed everything at this 'supplementary' timing chain guide...  Thanks for the link Greenbird.
I'll have to find time to pull off the valve rocker cover sometime after work (damn this 9-5 stuff is killing me, at least it pays good!).  Will take some photos too.

[mortz]

Well, looks like there was no need to be sorry aferall Ka-Bluey - after removing the offending timing chain guide, putting everything back together and starting it up, the rattle came back once the engine had warmed up and was no longer on high idle.

However, the scraping sounds that used to be audible when listening through a screwdriver on the rocker cover have gone!!!! I think that this was the cause...



Sooo... Looks like I'm on the hunt for a U13 Altenator or some bearings to replace it...

PS - For future reference for the searchers out there, this is the offending guide:


...And...



I was hesitant at first, especially not knowing what to look for.  I'm sure these photos will stop other people being unsure

[Ka-Bluey]

Ahh good that you got it sorted.

Hmm looks like alot of scraping went on in there, that sheild looks nasty.

Big picturies!!