Timing Chain: Service and Repair
Removal1. Remove front cover assembly as outlined previously.
2. Lock the shoe on automatic adjuster in fully retracted position by depressing the adjuster lock lever in direction as shown.
3. Remove timing chain from crankshaft sprocket.
Inspection
^ Check timing sprockets for wear or damage. If crankshaft sprocket must be replaced, remove sprocket and pinion gear from crankshaft using Puller J-25031.
^ Check timing chain for wear or damage; replace as necessary. Measure distance (L) with chain stretched with a pull of approximately 98 N (22 lbs.) as shown in image. Standard (L) value is 381mm (15.00"); replace chain if (L) is greater than 385mm (15.16").
^ Remove attaching bolt and remove automatic chain adjuster.
^ Check that the shoe becomes locked when shoe is pushed in with the lock lever released.
^ Check that lock is released when the shoe is pushed in. The adjuster assembly must be replaced if rack teeth are found to be worn excessively;
^ Remove "E" clip and remove chain tensioner. Check tensioner for wear or damage; replace as necessary.
^ Inspect tensioner pin for wear or damage. If replacement is necessary, remove pin from cylinder block using locking pliers. Lubricate NEW pin tensioner with clean engine oil. Start new pin in block, place tensioner over appropriate pin. Place "E" clip on pin and then tap pin into block, using a hammer, until clip just clear tensioner. Check tensioner and adjuster for freedom of rotation on pins.
^ Inspect guide for wear or damage and plugged lower oil jet. If replacement or cleaning is necessary, remove guide bolts, guide and oil jet. Install new guide and upper attaching bolt. Install lower oil jet and bolt so that oil port is pointed toward crankshaft as shown.
Installation
1. Install timing sprocket and pinion gear (groove side toward front cover). Align key grooves with key on crankshaft, then drive into position using Installing Tool J-26587.
2. Turn crankshaft so that key is. turned toward cylinder head side (#1 and #4 pistons at top dead center).
3. Install the timing chain by aligning mark plate on chain with mark on crankshaft timing sprocket. The side of the chain with the mark plate is on the front side and the side of chain with the most links between mark plates is on the chain guide side.
Keep the timing chain engaged with the camshaft timing sprocket until the camshaft timing sprocket is installed on camshaft.
4. Install the camshaft timing sprocket so that marked side of sprocket faces forward and so that the triangular mark aligns with the chain mark plate.
5. Install the automatic chain adjuster.
6. Release lock by depressing the shoe on adjuster by hand, and check to make certain the chain is properly tensioned when lock is released.
7. Install front cover assembly as outlined previously.