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 cam 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.

Timing Chain Tensioner-Early:

Timing Chain Tensioner-Late:

Note: There are two different chain tensioners. Determine which type applies and follow the appropriate procedures.

8. Release chain tension. Remove cam sprocket and chain.

Releasing Tensioner, Early Type:

Early Type
Insert a hook as shown and pull upwards to release chain tension. Tensioner can be damaged if it is pulled up too far. Only pull it up far enough to remove chain and sprocket.

Releasing Chain Tensioner, Late Type:

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

Note: Early style tensioner is no longer available. Late style will retrofit to early engines.

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 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 the marks very carefully.

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

14 ft lbs (4.9 Nm)

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

14 ft lbs (4.9 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 (4.9 Nm)

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