How can I check if timing belt is working properly

Asked by El Apr 21, 2014 at 08:22 PM about the 1991 Nissan Pickup

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2 Answers

855

If it is running right it is working

2 people found this helpful.
1,175

Pretty much. Timing belts just make sure the valves (top of engine) are synced up with the pistons (bottom of engine). What I would do is check your engine first. If you have a 4 cylinder engine (I-4) I'd almost be certain you have a timing chain, not a belt. These should never need maintenance or need replacing, unless you do something really stupid (i.e. rev it up to 7000 rpm repeatedly). If you have a V-6 you probably have a timing belt. There also should be a plaque on the engine telling you at what mileage the timing belt was last changed/service (the one on my Pathfinder is right on the front of the engine). Most engines I've seen recommend changing the timing belt every 90,000 to 105,000 miles. If you don't and that belt breaks, you're gonna need a new engine, or a new truck.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Pickup

Looking for a Used Pickup in your area?

CarGurus has thousands of nationwide listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    beater
    Reputation
    520
  • #2
    tibags55
    Reputation
    390
  • #3
    Larry Larsen
    Reputation
    370
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.