Timing Chain: Service and Repair

Removal
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove hood.
3. Drain cooling system.
4. Remove undercover, fan shroud and radiator.
5. Drain oil.
6. Remove air cleaner assembly from engine.
7. Mark then disconnect all electrical connectors, cables and vacuum hoses from engine.
8. Disconnect front exhaust pipe from exhaust manifold.
9. Loosen clutch control cable adjusting nut.
10. Disconnect and plug heater hose from heater.
11. Disconnect control cable from heater temperature control valve.
12. Remove control valve attaching screws, then the control valve assembly.
13. Raise and support vehicle.
14. Remove engine mount nut.
15. Install tool J-26555 or equivalent onto engine. Use exhaust manifold std bolts to attach tool onto engine.
16. Disconnect engine ground strap from cylinder block.
17. Disconnect back-up light switch electrical connector from transmission.
18. Disconnect ECS hose from oil pan.
19. Remove engine stop plate attaching bolts, then the stop plate.
20. Position a suitable jack under engine, then raise engine slightly.
21. Remove left side engine mount stop plate attaching bolts, then the stop plate.
22. Remove gearshift lever assembly.
23. Remove parking brake return spring, then disconnect brake cable.
24. Disconnect propeller shaft from transmission.
25. Remove clutch return spring, then disconnect clutch control cable from lever.
26. Remove front exhaust pipe bracket from transmission.
27. Remove front exhaust pipe assembly from vehicle.
28. Disconnect speedometer cable from transmission.
29. Install suitable engine lifting equipment onto engine.
30. Remove rear engine mount bolts.
31. Remove engine and transmission assembly from vehicle.
32. Remove oil pan attaching bolts, then oil pan.
33. Remove oil pickup tube from oil pump.
34. Remove cam cover and EGR pipe clamp bolt from rear of cylinder head and remove cylinder head.
35. Rotate crankshaft until number 4 cylinder is in firing position. Remove distributor cap and mark rotor to housing relationship.
36. Remove distributor.
37. Remove front cover attaching bolts, then front cover.

Fig. 9 Timing chain removal:

38. Remove timing chain from crankshaft sprocket, Fig. 9.

Fig. 10 Timing chain guide tensioner & adjuster:

39. Remove E-clips, then chain adjuster and tensioner, Fig. 10. Inspect components for wear or damage. Also inspect chain guide and oil jet, view ``A'', Fig. 10.


Installation
1. Install timing sprocket and pinion gear with groove side toward front cover. Align key grooves with key on crankshaft, then drive into position using tool J-26587.
2. Turn crankshaft so key is turned toward cylinder head side with No. 1 and 4 pistons at top dead center.

Fig. 11 Timing chain alignment:

3. Install timing chain by aligning mark plate on chain with mark on crankshaft timing sprocket. The side of the chain with the mark plate is located on the front side and the side of chain with the most links between mark plates is located on the chain guide side, Fig. 11.
4. Install camshaft timing sprocket so marked side of sprocket faces forward and the triangular mark aligns with the chain mark plate. Keep the timing chain engaged with camshaft timing sprocket until the camshaft timing sprocket is installed on camshaft.
5. Install new gasket onto cylinder block.
6. Align oil pump drive gear punch mark with oil filter side of cover, then align the center of dowel pin with alignment mark on oil pump case.
7. Rotate crankshaft until Nos. 1 and 4 cylinders are at top dead center.
8. Install front cover by engaging pinion gear with oil pump drive gear on crankshaft.
9. Check that punch mark on oil pump drive gear is turned to the rear, viewed through the clearance between front cover and cylinder block.
10. Check that slit at the end of oil pump shaft is parallel with front face of cylinder block and is offset forward.
11. Install front cover and tighten front cover bolts.
12. Reverse steps 1 through 36.
13. Check engine timing.
14. Check for leaks.