Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Timing Chain: Installation
LH timing chain
- Install the LH timing chain.
- Align the colored link on the timing chain with the timing mark on the LHVCT assembly.
- Align the remaining colored link on the timing chain with the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket.
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NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the crankshaft slightly to provide enough slack in the chain to install the LH timing chain guide. Return the crankshaft keyway to the 4:00 position after installing the LH timing chain guide.
Install the LH timing chain guide and bolt.
Torque:Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)
Stage 2: 25 deg.
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NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the crankshaft slightly to provide enough slack in the chain to install the LH timing chain arm. Return the crankshaft keyway to the 4:00 position after installing the LH timing chain arm.
Install the LH timing chain tensioner arm.
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- Compress the primary timing chain tensioner plunger, using an edge of a vise. Use the General Equipment: Vise
- Install a suitable pin into the hole of the tensioner housing to hold the plunger in place during installation.
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- Install the LH primary timing chain tensioner and bolts.
Torque:Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)
Stage 2: 25 deg.
- Remove the holding pin from the tensioner.
- Install the LH primary timing chain tensioner and bolts.
- Using the special tool, rotate the crankshaft clockwise until the keyway is at the 9:00 position. Use Special Service Tool: 303-448 (T93P-6303-A) Holding Tool, Crankshaft.
RH and LH timing chains
- Install the RH timing chain.
- Align the colored link on the timing chain with the timing mark on the RHVCT assembly.
- Align the remaining colored link on the timing chain with the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket.
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NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the crankshaft slightly to provide enough slack in the chain to install the RH timing chain guide. Return the crankshaft keyway to the 9:00 position after installing the RH timing chain guide.
Install the RH timing chain guide and bolt.
Torque:Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)
Stage 2: 25 deg.
-
NOTE: It may be necessary to rotate the crankshaft slightly to provide enough slack in the chain to install the RH timing chain arm. Return the crankshaft keyway to the 9:00 position after installing the RH timing chain arm.
Install the RH timing chain tensioner arm.
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- Compress the primary timing chain tensioner plunger, using an edge of a vise. Use the General Equipment: Vise
- Install a suitable pin into the hole of the tensioner housing to hold the plunger in place during installation.
-
- Install the RH primary timing chain tensioner and bolts.
Torque:Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm)
Stage 2: 25 deg.
- Remove the holding pin from the tensioner.
- Install the RH primary timing chain tensioner and bolts.
- Install the following items:
- Spark plugs. Refer to: Spark Plugs .
- Engine front cover. Refer to: Engine Front Cover .
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.