warning: K12 petrol models early timing chain failures

Hi all,

I have heard of K12 micras that haven't been regularly serviced suffering from timing chain stretch and it costs £1000/$2069 to fix! If you are looking to buy a K12 micra buy one with a full service history and then you won't get timing chain problems as it has been well serviced.

Some early models (~2003) had problems but that was fixed long ago.
I have not heard any other problems since.
Just like any motor, if it's not serviced, it'll sludge up, parts will wear.
I don't believe it's any more vunerable than the K11 motor.

This has been discussed at least once before
http://www.micra.com.au/community/message.php?messageid=31278

I wonder if it is a problem that has effected UK K12's not Japanese K12's?
Have the UK assembled K12's sourced engine parts from Renault?

Anyway, it sounds like it was only a problem with earlier models & that it has now been fixed.


After a quick google I found the following comments:

"Nissan says they stretch because of poor servicing, the combustion gases make the oil acidic, which attacks the timing chain"

"The K12 micra (your model) is fitted with a nissan timing chain and we did have problems with the early K12 chains stretching, which causes loss of power (due to the ignition timing being out) and you may get the engine warning light on which usually flags up a fault with the camshaft position sensor, again this is due to the timing being out.
The noise on start up has been common on the micra since the first models from 1993. It is noticable more on cold mornings, as soon as the oil pump starts getting oil to the top of the engine the noise goes.
I know they have fitted a modified chain on the later models so I wouldn't worry until you notice running problems with the car and/or engine warning lights.
Make sure it is serviced every 14,400 km or 12 months (whichever is sooner)"

"2003 K12 with 23,000km after 4 years, stretched timing chain"

"mechanic then admitted this was true and he'd had to change a chain on one K12 at only 8,000km"

I have a 12/2003 K12 CR12DE with 116500km so far and have had no problems. I do hear a "strange" rattling when starting the engine after it has been off for some hours, but it soon goes away. Needless to say, I always change the engine oil and oil filter on time (every 7500 and 15000km respectively) and always use high quality oil (usually 100% synthetic).

I have to say I frequently rev the engine hard and have even raced the car in a couple of short races as well as some track-days.

I hope I have no problems in the future.