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Timing Chain: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Nissan Quest. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Fig 1: Identifying Primary & Secondary Timing Chains With Mating Marks Position
G00860697Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
NOTE: The figure above shows the relationship between the mating mark on each timing chain and that on the corresponding sprocket, with the components installed.
  1. Make sure that dowel pin hole, dowel pin and crankshaft key are located as shown in the figure. (No. 1 cylinder at compression TDC)
    NOTE: Though camshaft does not stop at the position as shown in the figure, for the placement of cam nose, it is generally accepted camshaft is placed for the same direction of the figure.

    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 right bank 

    Fig 2: Identifying Camshaft Dowel Pin Hole Position
    G04215473Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  2. Install timing chain (secondary) and camshaft sprockets (INT and EXH) as follows:
    CAUTION: Mating marks between timing chain and sprockets slip easily. Confirm all mating mark positions repeatedly during the installation process.
    1. Push plunger of timing chain tensioner (secondary) and keep it pressed in with stopper pin (Tool J-50246).
      Fig 3: Pushing Plunger Of Timing Chain Tensioner
      G04215474Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    2. Before installing timing chains (secondary) and camshaft sprockets, confirm mating marks are visible. If necessary, use paint or equivalent to re-mark the camshaft sprockets at each mating mark.
      Fig 4: Identifying Sprocket Teeth Mating Mark
      G04215476Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    3. Install timing chains (secondary) (8) and camshaft sprockets [INT (1) and EXH (9)].
      • Left bank mating marks (6)
      • Align the mating marks on timing chain (secondary) (gold link) with the ones on camshaft sprockets (INT and EXH) (punched), and install them.
      NOTE:
      • Mating marks for camshaft sprocket (INT) are on the back side of camshaft sprocket (secondary).
        • Fig 5: Aligning Dowel Pin And Pin Hole On Camshafts With Groove
        G00572840Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
      • There are two types of mating marks, circle (7), (10) and oval (4), (5) types. They should be used for the right and left banks, respectively.

      Right bank: Use circle type (7) and (10). 

      Left bank: Use oval type (4) and (5). 

      • Align dowel pin (3) and pin hole on camshafts with the groove (11) and dowel pin on sprockets, and install them.
      • On the intake side, align pin hole on the small diameter side of the camshaft front end with dowel pin (3) on the back side of camshaft sprocket, and install them.
      • On the exhaust side, align dowel pin on camshaft front end with pin groove (11) on camshaft sprocket, and install them.
      • In case that positions of each mating mark and each dowel pin do not fit on mating parts, make fine adjustment to the position by slightly turning camshaft(s).
      • Bolts for camshaft sprockets must be tightened in the next step. Tightening them by hand is enough to prevent the dislocation of dowel pins.
    4. Confirm the mating marks are aligned, then finger tighten camshaft sprocket bolts. Final tightening will be done with all timing chains installed.
    5. Remove stopper pins out from timing chain tensioners (secondary).
  3. Install timing chain (primary) as follows:
    1. Install crankshaft sprocket.
      • Make sure the mating marks on crankshaft sprocket face the front of the engine.
        Fig 6: Installing Crankshaft Sprocket
        G04215479Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  4. Install timing chain (primary).
      Fig 7: Installing Timing Chain - Primary
      G00572841Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    • Water pump (G
    • Install timing chain (primary) so the mating mark (punched) (B) on camshaft sprocket (C) is aligned with the copper link (A) on the timing chain, while the mating mark (notched) (E) on the crankshaft sprocket (D) is aligned with the yellow one (F) on the timing chain, as shown.
    • When it is difficult to align mating marks of the timing chain (primary) with each sprocket, gradually turn the camshaft to align it with the mating marks.
    • During alignment, be careful to prevent dislocation of mating mark alignments of timing chains (secondary).
  5. Install the internal chain guide.
      Fig 8: Installing Internal Chain Guide, Slack Guide And Timing Chain Tensioner - Primary
      G04215481Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    • If removed, reinstall slack guide.
      CAUTION: Do not overtighten slack guide mounting bolt. It is normal for a gap to exist under the bolt seat when mounting bolt is tightened to specification.
      Fig 9: Identifying Slack Guide Mounting Bolt Position
      G04215482Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    • Remove stopper pin from timing chain tensioner (primary).
  6. Make sure again that the matching marks on the sprockets and the timing chain have not slipped out of alignment.
  7. Tighten camshaft sprocket bolts to specification with all timing chains installed and Ring Gear Stopper Tool holding the crankshaft.

    Tool number : - (J-50288) 

  8. Install the front timing chain case. Refer to INSTALLATION .
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