Timing job has lead to other problems - Infamous Nissan

WetSocks · 07-19-2021, 04:18 PM

1997 ka24e 4x4

Think I really screwed the pooch....

Replaced the timing components and upgraded to a ratcheting tensioner to get rid of start-up rattle for good. Put everything back together as best I could following instructions in the FSM, and various forums. I did this without dropping the oil pan.

Started it up this past weekend and I've got what I believe is lifter tick, the engine is shaking and once given some time to warm up, white smoke is coming out the tail pipe and from around the exhaust manifold. Smoke smells sweet...

I had tried to back the truck up to get it to a better place than where the tow truck put it and it stalled and wouldn't start up again. Smells like a flooded engine.

Assuming I got the timing chain on correctly (TDC, links on the punch marks, etc.), I know I need to address ignition timing still - could the off ignition timing result in the engine shaking (misfiring) and flooding the engine?

As for the white smoke, I did pour some oil into the oil pan to try to flush out any coolant that might have dropped into it, but it was maybe only half a quart. I fear that my seals didn't set right and I have a leak. My head gasket seemed fine when I took the cover off and I painted it with some aviation no. 3 sealant.

I'm looking for advice on where to start. Try to get it running and get the ignition timing set and hope any left over coolant in the oil burns off, or pull everything off and start over? I'm going on 4 weeks with this out of commission and its really starting to weigh on me.

alabama_lowlife · 07-19-2021, 08:16 PM

Does the oil look milky?

You need to set the timing with a timing light to 10° btdc but you need it running first

WetSocks · 07-20-2021, 12:23 PM

Oh yeah, like chocolate milk.

I've drained it and will be taking the front cover off again. I have a feeling the seal around that rectangular coolant passage on the driver side of the cover did not seal perfectly. Used permadex black.

I am considering replacing the head gasket as well and doing the water pump too, though it seems to be totally fine. May replace the front cover as well if I can find a reasonably priced one.

I am getting some leakage from the oil pump. Very slow drip that's coming off the bolt heads. I used a new gasket, but I assume I'll have to replace it again if it has gotten oily.

alabama_lowlife · 07-20-2021, 12:27 PM

Did you make sure that the old timing chain had not cut a groove through the water jacket in the timing cover?

WetSocks · 07-20-2021, 02:09 PM

Yes, no problem there. It had destroyed the plastic guide and had grooved the metal backing, but nothing beyond that. Fully replaced both guides, sprockets, the chain and the tensioner when I was in there the first time.

Foul_Mouth · 07-20-2021, 11:24 PM

Did you replace the two metal/rubber gaskets inside of the front cover?

WetSocks · 07-21-2021, 12:27 AM

Yes all seals were replaced

Foul_Mouth · 07-21-2021, 12:59 AM

Possible the back corner of the headgasket popped allowing coolant into the pan. Mine did that and not a drop of coolant made it into the cylinders. Just mixing right in the rear driver side of the head.

https://youtu.be/IBIh7ez48ts

WetSocks · 07-21-2021, 12:37 PM

I don't see how removing the front cover could have popped the rear corner of the head gasket. I think a more likely cause of coolant leak is either the front of the head gasket or the front cover seal.

Foul_Mouth · 07-21-2021, 04:09 PM

Ok. You got this. Time to tear it down now. I have tried to help. Only one way for you yo figure it out now, get to tearing it down.

07-19-2021, 04:18 PM	#1
WetSocks Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: NH Posts: 37 Vehicle: 1997 Hardbody 4x4 Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Timing job has lead to other problems 1997 ka24e 4x4 Think I really screwed the pooch.... Replaced the timing components and upgraded to a ratcheting tensioner to get rid of start-up rattle for good. Put everything back together as best I could following instructions in the FSM, and various forums. I did this without dropping the oil pan. Started it up this past weekend and I've got what I believe is lifter tick, the engine is shaking and once given some time to warm up, white smoke is coming out the tail pipe and from around the exhaust manifold. Smoke smells sweet... I had tried to back the truck up to get it to a better place than where the tow truck put it and it stalled and wouldn't start up again. Smells like a flooded engine. Assuming I got the timing chain on correctly (TDC, links on the punch marks, etc.), I know I need to address ignition timing still - could the off ignition timing result in the engine shaking (misfiring) and flooding the engine? As for the white smoke, I did pour some oil into the oil pan to try to flush out any coolant that might have dropped into it, but it was maybe only half a quart. I fear that my seals didn't set right and I have a leak. My head gasket seemed fine when I took the cover off and I painted it with some aviation no. 3 sealant. I'm looking for advice on where to start. Try to get it running and get the ignition timing set and hope any left over coolant in the oil burns off, or pull everything off and start over? I'm going on 4 weeks with this out of commission and its really starting to weigh on me.

07-19-2021, 08:16 PM	#2
alabama_lowlife Owner and Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Brockton, Alabama Age: 42 Posts: 10,872 Vehicle: 2012 370Z, 1970 Datsun 521, 1995 Nissan Hardbody x2, 1994 Hardbody Thanks: 1,121 Thanked 2,258 Times in 1,855 Posts	Does the oil look milky? You need to set the timing with a timing light to 10° btdc but you need it running first __________________

07-20-2021, 12:27 PM	#4
alabama_lowlife Owner and Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Brockton, Alabama Age: 42 Posts: 10,872 Vehicle: 2012 370Z, 1970 Datsun 521, 1995 Nissan Hardbody x2, 1994 Hardbody Thanks: 1,121 Thanked 2,258 Times in 1,855 Posts	Did you make sure that the old timing chain had not cut a groove through the water jacket in the timing cover? __________________

07-20-2021, 11:24 PM	#6
Foul_Mouth Pounding Rox Truck Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Western NY Posts: 4,855 Vehicle: Too Many to List Here Thanks: 595 Thanked 886 Times in 689 Posts	Did you replace the two metal/rubber gaskets inside of the front cover? __________________ 1992 Supercharged and Body Swapped WD21 Pathfinder 1995 D21 Regular Cab 2wd (2)1991 D21 Regular Cab 1990 WD21 Pathfinder Frame 2004 Xterra 2010 Infiniti G37x Nissan Truck Videos (Builds-Racing-Shows-Tech) https://www.youtube.com/c/NissanTruckguy IG@ rainmaker_d21

07-21-2021, 12:59 AM	#8
Foul_Mouth Pounding Rox Truck Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Western NY Posts: 4,855 Vehicle: Too Many to List Here Thanks: 595 Thanked 886 Times in 689 Posts	Possible the back corner of the headgasket popped allowing coolant into the pan. Mine did that and not a drop of coolant made it into the cylinders. Just mixing right in the rear driver side of the head. https://youtu.be/IBIh7ez48ts __________________ 1992 Supercharged and Body Swapped WD21 Pathfinder 1995 D21 Regular Cab 2wd (2)1991 D21 Regular Cab 1990 WD21 Pathfinder Frame 2004 Xterra 2010 Infiniti G37x Nissan Truck Videos (Builds-Racing-Shows-Tech) https://www.youtube.com/c/NissanTruckguy IG@ rainmaker_d21

07-20-2021, 12:23 PM	#3
WetSocks Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: NH Posts: 37 Vehicle: 1997 Hardbody 4x4 Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Oh yeah, like chocolate milk. I've drained it and will be taking the front cover off again. I have a feeling the seal around that rectangular coolant passage on the driver side of the cover did not seal perfectly. Used permadex black. I am considering replacing the head gasket as well and doing the water pump too, though it seems to be totally fine. May replace the front cover as well if I can find a reasonably priced one. I am getting some leakage from the oil pump. Very slow drip that's coming off the bolt heads. I used a new gasket, but I assume I'll have to replace it again if it has gotten oily.

07-20-2021, 02:09 PM	#5
WetSocks Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: NH Posts: 37 Vehicle: 1997 Hardbody 4x4 Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Yes, no problem there. It had destroyed the plastic guide and had grooved the metal backing, but nothing beyond that. Fully replaced both guides, sprockets, the chain and the tensioner when I was in there the first time.

07-21-2021, 12:27 AM	#7
WetSocks Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: NH Posts: 37 Vehicle: 1997 Hardbody 4x4 Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Yes all seals were replaced

07-21-2021, 12:37 PM	#9
WetSocks Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: NH Posts: 37 Vehicle: 1997 Hardbody 4x4 Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I don't see how removing the front cover could have popped the rear corner of the head gasket. I think a more likely cause of coolant leak is either the front of the head gasket or the front cover seal.

07-21-2021, 04:09 PM	#10
Foul_Mouth Pounding Rox Truck Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Western NY Posts: 4,855 Vehicle: Too Many to List Here Thanks: 595 Thanked 886 Times in 689 Posts	Ok. You got this. Time to tear it down now. I have tried to help. Only one way for you yo figure it out now, get to tearing it down. __________________ 1992 Supercharged and Body Swapped WD21 Pathfinder 1995 D21 Regular Cab 2wd (2)1991 D21 Regular Cab 1990 WD21 Pathfinder Frame 2004 Xterra 2010 Infiniti G37x Nissan Truck Videos (Builds-Racing-Shows-Tech) https://www.youtube.com/c/NissanTruckguy IG@ rainmaker_d21

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode