Timing Chain: Service and Repair

1. Remove engine from vehicle. Refer to ENGINE REPLACE.

Flywheel Timing Marks-Bellhousing Removed:

Distributor Alignment:

2. Remove distributor cap. Rotate engine until (0) mark on flywheel is aligned with pointer, and distributor rotor is aligned with mark on housing.
3. Remove valve cover.

Removing Oil Pump:

4. Remove crankshaft pulley and oil pump.
5. Remove water pump pulley.

Removing Timing Cover:

6. Remove timing cover bolts and remove cover complete with water pump and hoses.

CAUTION: Do not rotate camshaft or crankshaft with timing chain removed. Piston and/or valve damage may result.

7. Hold camshaft stationary and loosen cam sprocket bolts. An open-end wrench can be used on camshaft flats to hold cam.

Releasing Chain Tensioner, Late Type:

8. To release tension on chain, lift up on the ratcheting pawl as shown, while pressing in on top of chain guide. Remove cam sprocket bolts and sprocket.
9. Remove chain, tensioner and chain guides from engine block and inspect for wear. Replace worn or damaged parts as necessary.
10. Install chain guides and tensioner to engine block

Camshaft Timing Mark:

11. Ensure that all timing marks are aligned and install camshaft sprocket. Fit sprocket bolts complete with plain washers and hand tighten bolts.

WARNING: If washers are omitted, bolts will foul camshaft carrier.

12. Release chain tension as described above and fit chain to sprocket. Be sure all chain slack is on tensioner side. Then reset tensioner.

13. Turn crankshaft by hand two full turns in the direction of normal engine rotation. Recheck all timing marks at TDC for proper alignment. Reset timing chain if any fault is found.

CAUTION: It is easy for the chain to be off one tooth. Check marks very carefully.

14. Hold camshaft stationary while tightening sprocket bolts. Tighten bolts to:

14 ft lbs (19 Nm)

15. Refit timing cover with water pump. Tighten cover bolts to:

14 ft lbs (19 Nm)

16. Refit water pump pulley.
17. Refit oil pump and crankshaft pulley. Tighten crankshaft bolt to:

140 ft lbs (190 Nm)

18. Refit valve cover. Tighten valve cover bolts to:

43 in lbs (4.8 Nm)

19. Check distributor rotor for proper alignment with mark on housing and refit distributor cap.
20. Refit engine.