New 05 230k Owner Timing Chain Question
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
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05 C230 Kompressor, 92 R32 Nissan Skyline GTST
New 05 230k Owner Timing Chain Question
Hi guys, I just traded into a c230k and was wondering about the timing chain. I know I need to replace it as per this forum, but I was wondering how worried I should be. Upon cold start and after operating temp the motor sounds good and I don't hear much but if I place my ear to the front of the valve cover I can hear what im pretty sure is some rattle... Is that normal or the dreaded TC stretch. It has 160k on it and has been maintained well. I searched around a bit and read up on the technique of replacing the chain without removing the head. Is that what most of you guys do? Seems a little easier and more cost efficient than removing the head and doing a HG and getting the head machined as well.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 452
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From: Tyler, TX
2025 Mazda CX70 Turbo S, 2015 G550
I've had my car for 10 years and I have 264K miles on it. A long time ago I asked the dealership about doing the timing chain and or the tensioners. They told me, "we can do it if you want, but I wouldn't worry about it. Just drive it" so thats what I've been doing. Just an observation, but it seems if these engines are babied thats when you'll have problems. I'm still driving like I stole it, changing the oil with Mobil1 every 13K miles, and wondering how long this engine will last.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 6
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05 C230 Kompressor, 92 R32 Nissan Skyline GTST
I've had my car for 10 years and I have 264K miles on it. A long time ago I asked the dealership about doing the timing chain and or the tensioners. They told me, "we can do it if you want, but I wouldn't worry about it. Just drive it" so thats what I've been doing. Just an observation, but it seems if these engines are babied thats when you'll have problems. I'm still driving like I stole it, changing the oil with Mobil1 every 13K miles, and wondering how long this engine will last.
Well that's a little glimmer of hope compared to the threads I see about failure at 100k. Do hear any rattle from the chain? I have to put my ear to the engine to hear mine, but im 98% sure what I'm hearing is a little rattle and not just the chain running the guides.
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Joined: Apr 2015
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2007 C-280 4Matic
I've also wondered about this myself. Mine has 140k and I asked my import specialist about doing a timing chain right away and he indicated its extremely rare that they go out on these models. So I've also been driving it, changing oil and not worrying about it anymore. 
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 452
Likes: 10
From: Tyler, TX
2025 Mazda CX70 Turbo S, 2015 G550
Yeah mine will make a little noise when cold. I feel a little noise is normal because ( I'm sure someone will correct me on this) the chain tensioners are affected by oil pressure. Thats why when the car is warm its not heard or as bad. I liken it to hydralic lifters making noise on inital startup on an old Chevy V-8 The noise is not as bad as a bad alternator pully or serpentine belt tensioner taking a dump. Thats why I kind of stopped worring about it and just drive the car.
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Member
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: ontario, Canada
C230 COUPE 2003 M271
I am wondering this about my car too. well maintained with mobil 1 oil change every 10k miles and the car has about 170k miles on it now.
Lately I have noticed a rattle for the first 2 seconds after startup and only with the hood open and in the garage to hear it. Not sure if this is normal for this age/miles or a sign of TB failure/stretch happening
Lately I have noticed a rattle for the first 2 seconds after startup and only with the hood open and in the garage to hear it. Not sure if this is normal for this age/miles or a sign of TB failure/stretch happening
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