How to Replace a Timing Chain
When repairing you cars timing chain always remember to research your cars firing order before you start. You can pick up a mechanical car model book at your local parts dealer. This manual has all the how to's in side with step by step instruction. The book is probably the most significant item to have in your arsenal to attempt timing chain replacement. It has pictures and instructions that describe what you need to do and look out for. One of these things is your cars firing order.
After you have determined the firing order and have your number one cylinder piston in the up position. You can check this to make sure by removing the spark plug. Once the spark plug is removed, take a screw driver and insert it through the spark plug hole to measure the depth.The piston should be very close to the top of the head.
Once you have established the number one piston in the up position. Un-hook your battery cables for safety reasons. According to the car you have, the fan and water pump will have to be removed to get to the timing chain cover. Once the timing chain cover is removed, look at the face of the chain that is still in place.
The old chain will have a mark or little dot on the chain and the tooth of the gear will have one also. Make sure the two marks are in unison with each other before proceeding. Take a screw drive and scratch a mark across both the chain and gear for reference. Always cross reference your manual before removing any parts. Loosen the tension gear and remove the old chain. This should be easily removed once you have all tension relieved from the old chain.
When placing the new chain, lube the gears and not the chain. Place the new chain on the gears while lining up the marks on the chain and gear sprocket. Once everything is in place, tighten the tension gear to the manuals required torque. The alignment of the chain and gear are critical to the engine starting successfully.
Clean the old gasket from the timing chain cover and replace it with a new gasket. Replace cover and re-hook all hoses and fan belts. Hook your battery back up, so you can turn the engine over. It is a good rule of thumb to have a good timing light on hand after the engine starts successfully. There maybe a little adjusting you have to do if your car has a distributer cap and shaft.
If you have done all these procedures. Start your engine. You will probably need to fine tune your timing there are marks on the drive shaft fly wheel to do this and by making small adjustment you should be fine. Happy motoring.
