Nissan Repair: 87 nissan pathfinder, nissan pathfinder, engine knocking

Question
QUESTION: my pathfinder all of a sudden has alot of engine knocking and loss of power

ANSWER: Hi Steve -

Is the vehicle running hot? Have you changed gasoline lately?

Anything you can tell me will assist in the diagnosis -

thanks and aloha
calvin

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

QUESTION: if the timing chain tensioner fails or breakes will this cause the same problems? this engine away runs hot. is the tensioner a common problem, this will be the second time i've replaced it in a year. all help is appreciated.  thanks

Answer
Hi Steve -

If the tensioner is defective, then yes, it could cause the knocking cause it throws the timing off. Best way to double check is to check the timing, or check the alignment when the pistons are at TDC, timing mark aligned at TDC on the damper, and the distributor pointing directly at the #1 tower of the cap.

If the car is overheating, check the thermostat, or the cooling fan.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin