Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Nissan Almera N16) is one of the most popular sedans on the secondary market, but its engines QG15DE And QG18DE have a weak point: timing chain drive. If the timing marks are knocked down or the chain is stretched, this can lead to a jump of 1-2 teeth, which leads to a meeting of the valves with the pistons and a major overhaul. In this article we will look at how to correctly set timing marks on Almera Classic, what tools will be needed and what mistakes even experienced craftsmen most often make.
The timing belt design on these engines involves the use two circuits: upper (camshaft drive) and lower (oil pump and intermediate shaft drive). The marks must be aligned on crankshaft, camshafts and intermediate shaft — missing at least one of them leads to phase imbalance. The problem is especially pressing for cars with mileage over 150,000 km, where the chain is already critically worn.
If you have never worked with a timing belt Nissan, we recommend that you first study the theory: below we will provide diagrams, photos of real tags and video examples. And for those who are ready to get down to business, prepared step-by-step algorithm taking into account the nuances of this particular engine.
Timing design of Nissan Almera Classic: which marks need to be combined
Unlike belt drives, where the marks are usually visible to the naked eye, in a chain drive system Almera Classic Some of the marks are hidden under covers. It is important to understand here three key nodes:
- 🔧 Crankshaft: the mark on the sprocket (gear) must coincide with the cast on the cylinder block. On QG18DE it is located closer to the flywheel.
- 🔄 Camshafts: On each of the two shafts (intake and exhaust) there are marks that align with the upper cylinder head cover. They look like small notches or holes.
- ⚙️ Intermediate shaft: An often forgotten element! Its mark (on the sprocket) should look straight up and coincide with the mark on the body.
Feature Nissan Almera Classic — availability hydraulic chain tensioner, which can “knock down” the marks if installed incorrectly. If after assembly the engine does not start or runs unstable, first check the tensioner: it should be secured with a stopper until final assembly.
One more nuance: on engines QG15DE (1.5 l) and QG18DE (1.8 l) the location of the marks is identical, but the length of the chain and sprockets is different. Below is a table with key parameters:
| Parameter | QG15DE (1.5 l) | QG18DE (1.8 l) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of upper chain links | 108 | 114 |
| Crankshaft mark (position) | Combined with low tide on the block (9 hours) | Combined with low tide on the block (9 hours) |
| Camshaft marks | Notches on the sprockets up | Holes on sprockets up |
| Chain tensioner | Hydraulic, requires fixing | Hydraulic, requires fixing |
⚠️ Attention: On Almera Classic With a mileage of more than 200,000 km, the chain can stretch so much that the marks are physically impossible to align perfectly. In this case, the chain, dampers and tensioner need to be replaced - partial adjustment will not help!
Tools and preparation: what you need for work
Before removing the timing covers, make sure you have everything you need. Here minimal set of tools:
- 🔧 A set of sockets and keys (required)
10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm) - 🔨 Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
- 🛠️ Sprocket puller (or a homemade device made from a bolt and nut)
- 📏 Vernier caliper for checking chain stretch
- 🔗 New timing chain (if replacement is planned, the original is
Nissan 13028-4M50A) - 🧲 Magnet for fixing bolts (so as not to drop them into the pallet)
Also prepare clean workplace And sealant for lids (For example, Loctite 574). Some experts recommend using thread locker for the sprocket bolts, but this is not necessary unless you plan to remove them in the future.
Before starting work necessarily:
- Disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal).
- Set the car to the handbrake and place chocks under the wheels.
- Drain the antifreeze (some of it will have to be drained when removing the upper timing case cover).
- Yes, on Nissan
- Yes, on a different car
- No, only in the service
- Planning for the first time
If you do not have experience working with timing belts, we recommend that you first watch the video disassembly on YouTube (for example, channel "Nissan Master"). This will help you avoid common mistakes such as mixing up the marks of the intake and exhaust camshafts.
Step-by-step instructions: how to set timing marks on an Almera Classic
Now we move on to the most important stage. Follow the instructions strictly in orderwithout skipping steps:
- Remove the upper timing cover (6 bolts per
10 mm). Be careful - there may be residual sealant underneath. - Crank the crankshaft clockwise (by the pulley bolt) until the mark on the crankshaft sprocket aligns with the casting on the block. Use the key on
22 mm. - Check the camshaft marks:
- On intake shaft The mark should be at the top and coincide with the cutout on the cover.
- On exhaust shaft - similar, but sometimes the mark is hidden under a plastic plug.
12 mm). Before that be sure to secure it in a compressed state with wire or a stopper - otherwise it will “shoot” during installation.10 mm in a horizontal position, replacement is required.When installing a new chain, follow reverse order, but keep in mind a few nuances:
- 🔹 The tensioner is installed last, after all marks are aligned.
- 🔹 Before fixing the sprockets, turn the crankshaft 2 turns and make sure that the marks remain in place.
- 🔹 Apply sealant to the lids in a thin layer, without excess (otherwise it will get into the oil).
The crankshaft mark is aligned with the ebb|Camshaft marks are at the top|The intermediate shaft is fixed|The chain tensioner is compressed and fixed|The chain has no play more than 10 mm-->
⚠️ Attention: If after assembly the engine does not start or runs intermittently, do not try to “tighten” the marks on a running engine! This will lead to broken circuit or bent valves. It's better to take everything apart again and check the alignment.
Typical mistakes when installing timing marks
Even experienced mechanics sometimes make mistakes that lead to serious damage. Here are the most common:
- 🔄 Confusion with camshaft marks: The intake and exhaust shafts have different marks, but they are easy to confuse. On QG18DE the intake shaft usually has a mark in the form
points, and graduation -notches. - ⚙️ Ignoring the intermediate shaft: if its mark is not aligned, the chain will jump and the engine will trip.
- 🔧 Incorrect tensioner fixation: If not secured before installation, it may tension the chain yourself, knocking down all the marks.
- 🛑 Rotating the crankshaft counterclockwise: This leads to weakening of the circuit and phase failure.
Another common problem is use of non-original spare parts. Cheap timing chains (for example, from no-name brands) can stretch after 20,000 km, which leads to re-disassembly. Original spare parts Nissan or high-quality analogues (INA, Gates) last 2-3 times longer.
What happens if you set the tags incorrectly?
If the timing marks are on Almera Classic incorrectly determined, the consequences depend on the degree of discrepancy:
- 1-2 teeth: engine stalls, loses power, lights up Check Engine.
- 3 teeth or more: the valves meet the pistons, which leads to bending of the valves and the need for major repairs (cost - from 80,000 rubles).
- Complete phase failure: The engine does not start at all or runs with strong vibrations.
To avoid errors, use laser pointer for precise alignment of marks or take photographs at each stage of disassembly. This will help put everything back in place if something goes wrong.
When to change the timing chain on a Nissan Almera Classic
Unlike the timing belt, the chain does not have a clear replacement schedule, but there are signs of critical wear:
- 🔊 Noise under the hood on a cold engine (rattling or rattling sound from the timing belt).
- 📉 Power drop and unstable idle speed.
- ⚠️ Error P0016 (valve timing mismatch) on the instrument panel.
- 🛑 Startup problems engine, especially in cold weather.
According to recommendations Nissan, timing chain on Almera Classic should be checked every 100,000 km, and replace - when running 180,000–200,000 km. However, under Russian conditions (frequent cold starts, low-quality oil), the chain life is reduced to 150,000 km.
If you buy Almera Classic with mileage, necessarily check the condition of the timing chain. To do this:
- Remove the oil filler cap.
- Ask an assistant to crank the crankshaft with the starter (short bursts).
- If the chain “pops” or you can see its sagging, get ready to replace it.
When replacing the timing chain with Almera Classic always change and tranquilizers (plastic guides). They wear out along with the chain and can cause it to jump off.
Cost of labor and spare parts: where is it cheaper?
Timing chain replacement price Nissan Almera Classic varies depending on region and service:
| Service/Spare part | Cost (RUB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Timing chain (original) | 4 500–6 000 | Nissan 13028-4M50A or Gates TCKWP328 |
| Chain tensioner | 1 200–2 000 | Original - Nissan 13070-4M500 |
| Calmizers (set) | 1 500–2 500 | It's better to take the original or INA |
| Work (chain replacement) | 8 000–15 000 | Depending on service and region |
| Complete set (chain + tensioner + dampers) | 7 000–10 000 | Save up to 30% when purchasing a set |
Replacing it yourself will cost less, but requires experience and tools. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the service. When choosing a workshop, pay attention to:
- 🔧 Availability guarantees for work (minimum 6 months).
- 📋 Reviews about the service (especially Nissan Almera).
- 🔍 Opportunity diagnostics after replacement (checking phases with a scanner).
Some services offer a “turnkey service” for 12,000–18,000 rubles with a guarantee. This is more profitable than paying twice for remodeling.
Saving on spare parts for timing belts is more expensive! A cheap chain can break after 30,000 km, which will lead to engine repairs costing 100,000+ rubles.
Frequently asked questions about timing marks on Nissan Almera Classic
Is it possible to drive if the chain rattles, but the marks are aligned?
If the chain rattles but the marks match, this means it is stretched, but haven’t jumped over yet. In this case, you can drive no more than 1,000–2,000 km, but it is better to immediately replace the chain and tensioner. Further use will lead to accelerated wear of dampers and the risk of jumping.
How to check timing marks without removing the cover?
It is impossible to accurately check the marks without removing the cover, but you can indirectly assess the condition:
- Set the crankshaft to TDC (according to the mark on the pulley).
- Remove the distributor cover (if equipped) and check the position of the slider.
- If the slider looks at
1st cylinder, and the crankshaft mark matches - most likely the timing marks are in order.
However, this method does not provide a 100% guarantee!
What should I do if after replacing the chain the engine stalls?
Reasons for tripping after chain replacement:
- 🔹 Tags set inaccurate (check again).
- 🔹 Problems with crankshaft position sensor (check the connector).
- 🔹 Malfunction ignition coils or candles (coincidence?).
- 🔹Damage sedatives during assembly.
Check the labels first, then scan for errors (P0300–P0304 point to the cylinder).
How long does it take to replace a timing chain?
In the service, work takes 4–6 hours (depending on the experience of the master). If you replace it yourself, be prepared to spend 6–10 hours, especially if you are doing this for the first time. The main thing is to take your time and follow the marks at each stage.
Can I use a timing chain from another Nissan?
Theoretically on Almera Classic fit chains from Nissan Primera P12 or Nissan Sentra B15 (with the same engine QG18DE). However, it is better to take a chain strictly according to VIN code or catalog number (13028-4M50A), since the length and pitch of the links may differ.