Timing Chain and Sprocket

Fig. 15 Timing Chain Tensioner Spring & Retainer:

Fig. 16 Timing Chain Tensioner Spring & Retainer:

REMOVAL
1. Remove front cover as described under Timing Cover, Replace.
2. Remove crankshaft oil slinger.
3. Rotate crankshaft in clockwise direction until camshaft and crankshaft timing marks are aligned, Fig. 13 and 14 .
4. Remove three timing chain guides.
5. Raise and support vehicle.
6. On early production engines, gently pry off timing chain tensioner spring retainer and remove spring, Fig. 15 and 16.
7. On all models, remove timing chain tensioner shoe retainer.
8. Ensure slack in timing chain is above tensioner shoe, then remove chain tensioner shoe. The timing chain must be disengaged from grooves in tensioner shoe to permit removal of shoe. Position a suitable screwdriver under timing chain while pulling shoe outward to disengage. If difficulty is encountered in removing tensioner shoe, proceed as follows:
a. Lower vehicle, then while holding intake camshaft sprocket in position with camshaft sprocket wrench No. J-36013, or equivalent, remove sprocket bolt and washer.
b. Remove washer, then install bolt into camshaft by hand.
c. Position a suitable three jaw puller into intake camshaft sprocket relief holes and remove sprocket. Do not pry on camshaft sprocket as damage to sprocket or timing chain housing may result.
9. Remove tensioner assembly attaching bolts and tensioner assembly. Use care when removing, as tensioner is spring loaded.
10. Remove timing chain tensioner shoe pivot stud, then remove timing chain.

Fig. 13 Valve Timing Marks:

Valve Timing Marks:

INSTALLATION
1. While holding camshaft sprocket in position with camshaft sprocket tool No. J-36013, or equivalent, install attaching and washer, if removed. Tighten to specifications.
2. Install timing pins No. J-36008, or equivalent, through holes in camshaft sprockets into holes in timing chain housing to position camshafts for proper timing, Fig. 13 and 14 . If camshafts are out of position and must be rotated more that 1/8 turn to insert timing pins, crankshaft should be rotated in the clockwise direction to a position 90° off TDC. After camshafts have been positioned and timing pins have been installed rotate crankshaft in counterclockwise direction to TDC.
3. On DOHC engine, place timing chain cover exhaust camshaft sprocket, idler sprocket and crankshaft sprocket. Then remove timing pin from intake camshaft and attach camshaft sprocket tool No. J-36013, or equivalent, to camshaft sprocket. Using camshaft sprocket wrench, rotate camshaft sprocket counterclockwise until timing chain can be installed over sprocket. Release tool after timing chain has been installed over sprocket. The timing chain tension between intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets should tighten. The timing pin should easily fit through intake camshaft sprocket timing hole into timing chain housing timing hole. If timing pin does not fit easily, repeat procedure.
4. On SOHC engine, remove timing pin from camshaft and attach tool No. J-36013, or equivalent, to camshaft sprocket. Using camshaft sprocket wrench, rotate camshaft sprocket counterclockwise until timing chain can be installed over sprocket. Release tool after timing chain has been installed over sprocket. The timing chain tension should tighten. The timing pin should easily fit through camshaft sprocket timing hole into timing chain housing timing hole. If timing pin does not fit easily, repeat procedure.
5. On all engines, with timing pins installed, raise and support vehicle.
6. With slack removed from timing chain between intake camshaft sprocket on DOHC engine, camshaft sprocket on SOHC engine, and crankshaft sprocket, timing marks on crankshaft and engine block should be aligned. If crankshaft timing marks are not aligned, move timing chain one tooth forward or rearward to align marks.
7. Install timing chain tensioner shoe pivot.
8. On models equipped with 2.3L engine, reset and install timing chain tensioner, Fig. 17.

Fig. 17 Timing Chain Tensioner:

a. Position restraint cylinder, spring and nylon plug into plunger. Align slot in restraint cylinder with peg in plunger. Rotate restraint cylinder in a clockwise direction and push into plunger until it is bottomed. Keep rotating restraint cylinder clockwise, until spring force pushes restraint cylinder away from plunger. The plunger peg will lock restraint cylinder in the loaded position.
b. Position timing chain tensioner spacer tool No. J-36589, or equivalent, on plunger assembly.
c. Position plunger assembly into tensioner body, so long end of plunger will be toward crankshaft when installed.
d. Install timing chain tensioner assembly with long end of plunger toward crankshaft. Tighten to specifications.
e. Install timing chain tensioner shoe and retainer.
f. Remove tool No. J-36589, or equivalent, from timing chain tensioner,then press timing chain tensioner plunger into tensioner body to unload plunger.

9. On models equipped with 2.4L engine, install tensioner and shoe assembly Fig. 16 as follows:

Fig. 16 Timing Chain Tensioner Spring & Retainer:

a. Reload tensioner assembly to zero position by forming a keeper out of heavy gauge metal into a U-shaped piece with a half inch opening.
b. Apply slight force on tensioner blade to compress plunger.
c. Insert small screwdriver into reset access hole and pry rachet pawl away from ratchet teeth while forcing the plunger completely in the hole.
d. Install keeper between access hole and blade.
e. Install tensioner assembly to chain housing and recheck plunger assembly installation, noting long end is toward crankshaft.
f. Tighten timing chain tensioner bolts to specifications.

10. On all models, lower vehicle to point where timing pins can be removed from camshaft sprockets, then rotate crankshaft two revolutions in the clockwise direction. Align crankshaft timing marks,then insert timing pins through camshaft sprockets into timing chain housing timing holes. Timing pins should slide easily through timing holes. If timing pins cannot be insert easily, repeat procedure to properly time engine.
11. Install three timing chain guides, then install crankshaft oil slinger.
12. Install engine front cover.