Just done all the timing chains, guides and tensioners my Zed. Currently on 98,717 miles and start up noise was getting pretty bad, took the cover plate off and the tensioner was out 19.5 mm. I had already started to get the parts together and did the job over a few days.
What a time consuming PITA job, ever since I was a lad I have been into Mini's so quite used to tight spaces but this job with the engine in really pushed the limit at times.
Parts replaced:
Main chain
Cam chains
All guides
All 3 tensioners
Water pump
Crank sprocket
Pulley seal
L/H cam cover (due to leaking plug seal on No.6)
Parts used
Before replacement
Tensioner travel
Damage to main guide
The tensioner was so far out that the chain had started to hit the main casing and I guess was jumping about on start up on the guide causing the damage, the chain hitting the casing was probably the noise I could hear.
Glad I got a new crank sprocket as well, the wear was pretty bad.
I got this Payen seal set which had all the seals and o rings needed for the job, lower crank half moon seal was slightly too thick on the curved sections where they turn onto the upper sump so needed to sand the ends down a bit, found this out after 3 attempts to fit, now so good at applying silicone might re do my bathroom.
All fitted, timing marks on chains don't show lined up in the image because I have done a few engine turns. Note tensioner travel, 10mm.
I can see why the labour costs are so high for the job but it is do able if you take your time, the result is absolutely silent start up from cold. I wanted really to do a step by step but there is loads of info on the net, so glad I did this and now all the parts are the latest Nissan updates, cost is still high though even without paying labour.