Nissan Repair: timing chain noise, nissan hardbody, timing chains

Question
i have a Nissan Hardbody 2.0litre fuel injected 16 valve 2004 model van. I purchased it recently with a timing chain noise. the motor was sludged and appeared to have been not to well maintained. I have since managed to remove the majority of the sludge. Changing the timing chains is a costly exercise so am exploring all other avenues first in case i have a sticky tensioner or other problem. My questions are - 1. I am using 15W 40, (mineral)what would you recommend. 2. the timing chain noise has not got worse, appears to be the bottom chain that is noisy and is worst up to about 1500rpm then noise level tapers off. What are the chances of the chain breaking?

Answer
Hi Ralph -

I would switch to synthetic oil. This will definitely slow down the wearing process and maybe even reduce the noise.

Timing chain noise is usually caused by the tensioner guide, or a stretched chain, or both. There is a plastic runner on the guide that often wears out and causes the noise.

In answer to your question, timing chains rarely break. They stretch out a bit, but they are very durable and I would not worry about it.

Hope this helps
aloha
calvin