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Autopapyrus · Nissan Patrol 3.0 Di ZD30DDTi (2007)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/nissan/patrol/timing-chain-tensioner-guides-and-water-pump-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Nissan Patrol 3.0 Di ZD30DDTi (2007): Timing Chain, Tensioner, Guides and Water Pump Replacement

The ZD30DDTi engine uses a timing chain system (not a belt). The recommended chain replacement interval is 150,000 km, or sooner if noise or chain stretch appears. On the ZD30, the water pump is mounted outside the engine and driven by a separate serpentine belt. However, during major repairs at the front of the engine (removing the timing cover), it is replaced at the same time since access is already open. The job requires precise alignment of the timing marks and a special tool to lock the camshaft. A mistake will cause the valves to hit the pistons and lead to an engine overhaul.

Difficulty: Hard Time: 6-8 hours Steps: 14 Tools: Socket and wrench set, torque wrench, Nissan special camshaft locking tool (31010-0M000 or equivalent), piston stop for cylinder 1, ruler, marking chalk, pulley puller (optional), set of pry bars, coolant funnel

Parts

4
  • 🔩 Timing chain kit (includes chain 13028-2W200, tensioner, upper and lower guides) OE component numbers 13095-DC000, 13070-2W200, 13085-2W200, 13091-2W200
  • 🔩 crankshaft sprocket bolt (new only, do not reuse)
  • 🔩 water pump assembly with viscous fan clutch 21010-VG126 or 21010-VG127
  • 🔩 water pump gasket 21014-2W201. Aftermarket chain kit alternatives: Gates, Dayco, NPW

Step by step

14 steps
  1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and drain the coolant from the radiator and engine block. Remove the front bumper (if necessary), the radiator grille, and the radiator together with its shroud and the A/C condenser to gain access to the front of the engine.
  2. Remove the accessory drive belt (alternator, power steering pump, A/C), then remove the crankshaft pulley and the timing protective cover (upper and front sections). Note the location of all cover bolts, since they are different lengths. When removing the cover, check for the hidden lower bolt near the oil pan.
  3. Turn the crankshaft clockwise with a special wrench on the center bolt until the TDC mark on the crankshaft pulley lines up with the pointer on the front cover. Insert the piston stop into the cylinder 1 spark plug hole. The crankshaft must not turn any further (this confirms TDC for cylinder 1).
  4. Install the camshaft locking tool (the Nissan tool 31010-0M000 fits into the slots on the camshaft ends at the rear of the cylinder head). This prevents the camshafts from turning when the chain is loosened and avoids valve damage. Make sure the marks on the camshaft sprockets line up with the cast arrows on the cylinder head (the sprockets must be at TDC).
  5. Mark the position of the old chain relative to the sprockets with chalk or a marker for reference. Slowly loosen the two chain tensioner housing bolts (tightening torque on reassembly: 25-28 N·m (18-21 lb-ft)). The tensioner will back off on its own. Remove the tensioner and both guides (upper and lower).
  6. Inspect the crankshaft, camshaft, and injection pump sprockets for tooth wear (pointed teeth, chipping). If there is any damage, replace the sprockets. Check the guides for deep grooves from the chain. If wear is more than 1 mm, replace the guides (they are usually included in the kit).
  7. Remove the old chain. Unscrew the center bolt of the crankshaft sprocket (tightening torque on reassembly: 110 N·m (81 lb-ft) plus an additional 90 degrees). Use an impact wrench, or lock the flywheel through the starter opening. You MUST install a NEW crankshaft sprocket bolt (the old one stretches and cannot provide the required clamping force).
  8. Install the new chain, lining up the colored links with the marks: the yellow or red chain link on the mark (dot) of the crankshaft sprocket; the blue links on the marks of both camshaft sprockets; the yellow link on the mark of the injection pump sprocket. Use a ruler to check that the camshaft marks are aligned (they should be on the same horizontal line).
  9. Install the new guides (the lower one goes on the block side, the upper one on the cylinder head side). Install the chain tensioner: thread the lower housing bolt in by hand, rotate the housing 180 degrees away from the chain, press the plunger lock clip, push the plunger into the housing all the way, and while holding the plunger, release the clip (the plunger is now locked). Rotate the housing back 180 degrees toward the chain, thread in the upper housing bolt, then slowly release the plunger (it will extend and tension the chain through the shoe). Tighten both tensioner bolts to 25-28 N·m (18-21 lb-ft).
  10. Remove the camshaft locking tool and the piston stop. Turn the crankshaft by hand two full revolutions clockwise (720 degrees). Make sure all the timing marks have returned to the original TDC position: the colored chain links line up with the sprocket marks, the camshafts are at TDC, and the crankshaft is on the TDC mark. If the marks do not line up, repeat the chain installation from step 8.
  11. Water pump replacement (if required): Remove the 4-6 bolts securing the pump to the front cover (tightening torque on reassembly: check the service manual, approximately 15-20 N·m (11-15 lb-ft) for M8 bolts). Remove the pump together with the viscous fan clutch (this is a single assembly and is not replaced separately). Clean the mounting surface of old gasket material, install a new gasket (you can also apply a thin layer of gasket sealant), install the new pump assembly, and tighten the bolts evenly in a crisscross pattern.
  12. Install the front timing cover with a new gasket (or sealant, per the service manual), and tighten the cover bolts to 8 N·m (71 lb-in) working from the center outward. Install the crankshaft pulley, tighten its center bolt (new) to 110 N·m (81 lb-ft), then turn it an additional 90 degrees (use an angle gauge or marks). Install the accessory drive belt.
  13. Reassemble the cooling system in reverse order: A/C condenser, radiator with shroud, grille, bumper. Refill with coolant (system capacity is about 10-11 L (10.6-11.6 qt); use OEM Nissan Coolant L250 or an equivalent meeting the specification). Bleed the air from the cooling system by warming the engine to operating temperature with the expansion tank cap open.
  14. Connect the battery terminal. Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds, listening carefully. There should be no metallic knocking, rattling, or unusual chain noise. Check for coolant and oil leaks from under the timing cover and the water pump. Shut off the engine, let it cool for 10-15 minutes, check the coolant level, and top up if necessary.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Using a worn chain or setting the timing marks incorrectly will cause the pistons to hit the valves at startup, bending the valves and requiring cylinder head removal for repair. Always use the camshaft locking tool. Without it, the camshafts can turn when the chain is loosened. Use only a new (single-use) crankshaft sprocket bolt. Reusing the old bolt may cause it to fail and the sprocket to come loose while driving. If you have no experience with timing chain engines and do not have the special tools, take the vehicle to a specialist repair shop. A mistake during assembly will cost more than the labor.
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