How to Change a Timing Chain

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The timing chain on your vehicle is the connection between the crankshaft and camshaft, which operate the valves. The timing chain is a crucial piece of equipment that, when working properly, causes the valves to open and close at very specific intervals for optimum operation of your vehicle's engine. Timing chains and the sprockets on which they sit can wear with time, which can affect your engine's operation. You may find the need to replace your timing chain at some point; however, with the right tools, an owner's manual and some patience, you can do it yourself.

Steps

1. 1
   Locate your owner's manual; you will most likely need it to disassemble and reassemble various parts.

   
   
2. 2
   Clean the engine with the proper degreaser thoroughly before beginning.
3. 3
   Determine your car's firing order.
4. 4
   Ensure that your number 1 cylinder is up by removing the spark plug and inserting a screwdriver into the spark plug hole. The piston should be near the head of the screwdriver.
5. 5
   Disconnect the battery cables.
6. 6
   Remove the radiator cap (make sure the car is not hot).
7. 7
   Drain the coolant into an appropriate container.
8. 8
   Remove the radiator hoses.
9. 9
   Remove all the drive belts.
10. 10
    Remove the heater hoses if attached to the water pump.
11. 11
    Remove crankshaft pulley (harmonic balancer).
12. 12
    Remove the fan and water pump.
13. 13
    Remove the timing chain cover.
14. 14
    Find a mark or dot on the old chain.
15. 15
    Find a mark or dot on the tooth of the chain gear.
16. 16
    Rotate the engine until the marks are aligned.
17. 17
    Scratch a new reference mark across both the chain and gear with a screwdriver.

Remove the chain by loosening the tension gear.

Reassembly

1. 1
   Lube the gear before installing the new chain.
2. 2
   Place the new chain onto the gears while aligning with the marks.
3. 3
   Reinstall the camshaft sprocket bolts.
4. 4
   Tighten the tension according to your car manual's specifications.
5. 5
   Drive out the crankshaft seal with a hammer and punch.
6. 6
   Tap the new crankshaft seal into the timing cover.
7. 7
   Coat the seal with oil.
8. 8
   Replace the timing chain cover.
9. 9
   Reinstall the water and the fuel pumps.
10. 10
    Reinstall the fan and fan clutch.
11. 11
    Fill the radiator with coolant according to specifications.
12. 12
    Reconnect all hoses and belts.
13. 13
    Reconnect your battery.
14. 14
    Start the car's engine.
15. 15
    Check for drips or leaks.
16. 16
    Check the timing with a timing light.

    
    

Tips

• Some signs of timing chain problems are that the vehicle idles roughly, is sluggish, backfires or has performance changes, or there's noise coming from the engine front.

Warnings

• Always be aware of hot parts of your engine or sharp or hazardous materials and take the necessary precautions.
• Never leave radiator coolant in an open container that is unattended. Coolant is poisonous to animals. Contain and dispose of coolant properly. If you are unsure of the procedures, call your county refuse office for advice.
• Ensure that you have the proper tools to do the job to avoid injuries from improper tools slipping or breaking.
• Always work on a level surface and support your vehicle with jack stands; never work on a surface that is not hard.

Things You'll Need

• Combination wrenches
• Socket set
• Torque wrench
• Harmonic balancer (crankshaft) puller
• Gear puller
• Screwdrivers
• Hammer and punch
• Gasket scraper
• Timing light
• Silicone sealer
• Lubricant/oil
• Engine degreaser
• Timing chain cover gasket set
• New timing chain and gears
• Drain pan
• Antifreeze
• Jack
• Jack stands
• Paper towels or rags

Sources and Citations

• http://www.econofix.com/tbelt.html
• http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech-article-37.html
• http://www.howtochangetimingchain.com/

• Article provided by wikihow the wikihow manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Change a Timing Chain. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.