If the timing chain is broke, dose the engine have to come out to repair it.

Nissan maxima does have a chain and if the cover has broken it will be an expensive repair
items of concern are the chain, the cover, the sprockets for the cams and crank, the adjuster and the guide and valves ( it is not listed as an intereference engine but prudence suggests to expect bent valves)
I seriously suggest that you by pass the local garage and seek assistance form an accredited service shop that has experience in your make of vehicle as it is not a simple change the chain job.
get quotes first as the expenses can be double because of the extra damage incurred

Broken timing chain is a very large problem, if it happened while engine is running. Bent/broken valves and such. Makes a LOT of noise, and engine stops immediately.

Your question doesn't include make/model/year, so your question isn't possible to answer. Doesn't really matter, though, if your timing chain broke. That's pretty rare. Timing belt, yes. Chain, no.

Hi Ryan,here's a step by step guide to do timing belt replacement,also join Autozones site,it's free,then you can use their repair guides like me. Repair Guides Engine Mechanical Components Timing Chain Cover Chain...

what does it matter when the timing chain has broke , check out for damage to valves etc and repair

If the timing chain broke; your cylinders will not hold pressure because the valves letting air in to your cylinders would be bent. Have the cylinders checked for holding pressure. If your timing chain broke; you will need another engine used or new.

It appears that you got it right but to be sure the check is on the timing chain there are 3 black links If you have it right then the black links will line up with the marks. If not then re adjust the gear that is not correct.- ensure that you have the ignition timing right as you may be 180 degrees out

Chains seldom break,so maybe the plastic chain guides
wore or broke,or the tensioners got hung up

Whatever the issue, you will have to remove all accy's
from front of engine and remove the timming cover

That is a job for a repair shop and only one with
experience on your vehicle. You don't need a dealer,
but it will take a little over a day to repair and won't be cheap

The 2.4L four has a belt and is not an interference engine according to the Gates timing belt application chart for your vehicle (check it out on Gates.com.) The 2.7L V-6 doesn't show that it needs a belt--so it has either a timing chain and gears or just gears. If the belt broke on the 2.4L four, you should be able to put on a new belt and go. The engine should not be damaged.

If the timing chain on the V-6 broke then engine damage may have occurred. Chain engines are sometimes not listed as interference because breaking a chain is so rare. The damage would probably be bent valves and damaged piston tops. The labor involved in repairing all that might cost more than just getting a rebuilt engine and putting it in.

This van has a timing chain, which should last for the life of the engine. The LS engines, which I'm guessing you have one of the 4.8,5.3,or 6.0L, use a high quality roller timing chain that is long-lasting, and won't give you issues. Also, having roller lifters, the camshaft puts less resistance on the timing chain, so the combination of a strong chain coupled with less resistance, makes for a reliable chain.

First, the timing chain runs from the crank around the gears on both cylinder heads. There may be 2 chains. What it does is keep the closing and opening of the valves "in time" with the compression and exhaust stroke of the combustion chamber (pistons).
No compression on the entire left side is not good. If right side is okay then you have 2 chains one for each side. Left side chain must be broke or damaged.
To check the compression without using air , someone had to turn the crank over. If this was done with a bad or broke chain you may have bent valve(s) as well meaning cylinder head rebuilding or replacement.
If you plan on keeping the car for a while consider replacing or rebuilding the engine.