Timing Chain: Inspection: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The figure shows the relationship between the mating mark on each timing chain and that on the corresponding sprocket, the components installed.

Fig 1: Identifying Water Pump, Camshaft And Crankshaft Sprocket, Timing Chain And Tension Guide

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Install the rear timing chain case, if removed. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
Install the timing chain tension guide.
Position the crankshaft so No. 1 piston is set at TDC on the compression stroke.
- Make sure that the dowel pin hole, dowel pin and crankshaft key are located as shown.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Dowel Pin
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Camshaft dowel pin hole (intake side): at cylinder head upper face side in each bank.

Camshaft dowel pin (exhaust side): at cylinder head upper face side in each bank.

Crankshaft key: at cylinder head side of RH bank.

CAUTION: Hole on small diameter side must be used for intake camshaft sprocket dowel pin. Do not misidentify (ignore big diameter side).
Install the secondary timing chains and camshaft sprockets.
CAUTION: Matching marks between the timing chain and sprockets slip easily. Confirm all matching mark positions repeatedly during the installation process.
- Push the sleeve of the secondary chain tensioner and keep it pressed in with a stopper pin.
Fig 3: Identifying Stopper Pin
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
1. Align the matching marks (4), (5), (7) and (10) on the secondary timing chain (8) (orange link) with the ones on the intake and exhaust sprockets (stamped), and install them.
  - Matching marks for the intake sprocket are on the back side of the secondary sprocket.
  - There are two types of matching marks, round (7) and (10) oval (4) and (5) types. They should be used for the RH and LH banks, respectively.
    RH bank: use round type (7) and (10).
    
    LH (6) bank: use oval type (4) and (5).
2. Align the dowel pin (3) with and pin hole on the camshaft sprocket INT side (1), and dowel pin groove (11) with the dowel pin on the camshaft EXH side, and install them.
  - On the intake side, align the pin hole on the small diameter side of the camshaft front end with the dowel pin (3) on the back side of the camshaft sprocket (1), and install them.
  - On the exhaust side, align the dowel pin on the camshaft front end with the dowel pin groove (11) on the camshaft sprocket (9), and install them.
  - Camshaft sprocket bolts must be tightened in the next step. Tightening them by hand is enough to prevent the dislocation of the dowel pins (3) and dowel pin grooves (11).
  - Check mating mark (punched) (D) on each camshaft sprocket are positioned on the mating marks (orange link) (C) on timing chain (secondary).
  - A: Intake side
  - B: Exhaust side
  NOTE: Mating mark (punched) in the figure is for checking loose at this step.
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Mating Mark And Camshaft Sprocket Position
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
After confirming the mating marks are aligned, tighten the camshaft sprocket bolts.
- Secure the camshaft using a wrench at the hexagonal portion to tighten the bolts.
Fig 6: Tightening Camshaft Sprocket Bolts
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Pull the stopper pins (2) out from the secondary timing chain tensioners (secondary (1).

Fig 7: Identifying Stopper Pin And Camshaft Chain Tensioner
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install the crankshaft sprocket on the crankshaft.
- Make sure the mating marks on the crankshaft sprocket face the front of the engine.
Fig 8: Identifying Crankshaft Sprocket
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install the primary timing chain.
- Install primary timing chain so the mating mark (punched) (B) on camshaft sprocket (C) is aligned with the pink link (A) on the timing chain, while the mating mark (notched) (E) on the crankshaft sprocket (D) is aligned with the orange one (F) on the timing chain, as shown.
- When it is difficult to align mating marks of the primary timing chain with each sprocket, gradually turn the camshaft using a wrench on the hexagonal portion to align it with the mating marks.
- During alignment, be careful to prevent dislocation of mating mark alignments of the secondary timing chains.
(G): Water pump

Fig 9: Identifying Primary Timing Chain
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install the internal chain guide (1), slack guide (2) and timing chain (primary).

Fig 10: Identifying Internal Chain Guide And Slack Guide
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

CAUTION: Do not overtighten the slack guide bolts. It is normal for a gap to exist under the bolt seats when the bolts are tightened to specification.

Fig 11: Identifying Slack Guide
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install the timing chain tensioner for the slack guide.

Fig 12: Identifying Stopper Pin And Slack Guide
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- When installing the chain tensioner, push in the sleeve and keep it pressed in with the stopper pin.
- Remove any dirt and foreign materials completely from the back and the mounting surfaces of the chain tensioner.
- After installation, pull out the stopper pin while pressing the slack guide.
Reconfirm that the matching marks on the sprockets and the timing chain have not slipped out of alignment.
Install new O-rings (A) on the rear timing chain case.

Fig 13: Identifying Rear Timing Chain Case O-Ring
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install the front timing chain case. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
Activate the fuel system. Check for any leaks when the system is repressurized and correct as necessary.
Start the engine and check all systems for leaks or improper operation. Correct as necessary.
- After starting engine, keep idling for three minutes. Then rev engine up to 3,000 RPM under no load to purge air from the high-pressure oil chamber of the chain tensioners. The engine may produce a rattling noise. This indicates that air still remains in the chamber and is not a matter of concern.