Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Timing Components: Description and Operation



Timing Chain


There is a fixed chain guide on the intake side of the engine. the exhaust side has a semi-floating guide that is spring-loaded and contains a self-ratcheting tensioner to retain the adjusted position. Engine oil pressure fine-tunes the free play using a hydraulic tensioner.


the timing chain incorporates three copper color links that are used to assist timing chain installation. Both the crankshaft and camshaft gears incorporate timing marks, which are used in conjunction with the copper coated chain links.

Timing Chain Tensioner and Drive Gears