Nissan Repair: 98 Altima Timing Chain, nissan dealership, hi lauren

Question
QUESTION: Hi, We had been hearing a rattling noise from the engine for the past couple months. Today the car stalled, all the lights on the dashboard came on and the car wouldnt' start up again. We had it towed to a local mechanic who told us the Timing Chain is broken and we need a new engine. Does this sound correct? We have taken excellent care of this car from the day we bought it brand new. The vehicle has 140,000 miles on it. We recently replaced the motor mounts and thought that would help the noise to go away, but the rattling continued. I would appreciate your input. Should we have it towed to a nissan dealership for 2nd opionion?
Other than the rattling noise the car was in excellent condition.
Thankyou,
Lauren Mejia

ANSWER: Hi Lauren -

First of all, the Altima has a timing belt, not chain.

Second of all, simple check for the timing belt - Remove the distributor cap and manually turn the engine. If you see the rotor turning, then it is not the chain. If it is not, then most likely the timing belt did snap. If you have never changed this belt, then this is what probably happened.

However, I do not think it is so severe to replace the engine. At most you would need a valve job if the pistons interfered with the valves. I can get this information for you if you desire. Just let me know.

In either case, the engine need not be replaced. I would get a second opinion, get an estimate and get back to me. I will tell you if it is an honest one -

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thankyou for getting back to me, I have another question, as I am confused about something. We were told the Altima does NOT have a timing belt. Which my husband thought it did, til the mechanic told us otherwise. Even at the 90K service the nissan dealership didn't mention anything about a timing belt. In your opionion would you pay to fix the timing belt/chain on a 10yr old car with 140,000 miles on it?
I appreciate your opinion greatly, as we have felt like we are being taken by the mechanics we are dealing with.
I will check what you mentioned about the rotor turning tomorrow and get back to you.
Thanks again,
Lauren

Answer
Hi Lauren -

I was looking in my books, and it does seem like the 1998 Altima may have a chain instead of a belt. My bad. However, if this is the case, then I feel that it should be intact, as the belt is made of rubber, and the chain obviously of steel. Please do the test I asked, and get back to me, as I am now just as confused as you - (hehe). If you would like me to send pictures to verify, please email me at cjiwash@yahoo.com.

Another important test you can do to see if you need major engine work is to do a compression test.

If the car passes the 2 tests above, then I would say it is worth the repair.

Let me know -
Thanks for being patient -
calvin