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Timing Chain: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 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 Primary & Secondary Timing Chains With Mating Marks Position
G00860697Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  1. Install the camshaft chain tensioners (for secondary timing chains).

    Camshaft chain tensioner bolts : 7.0 - 10.0 Nm (0.8 - 1.0 kg-m, 62 - 88 in-lb) 

    Fig 2: Installing Camshaft Chain Tensioners
    G00572430Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  2. Before installing No. 1 camshaft bracket, apply sealant to mating surface.
    • Use Genuine Silicone RTV Sealant, or equivalent.
    • Before installation, wipe off any protruding sealant.
    Fig 3: No. 1 Camshaft Bracket
    G00572431Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  3. Tighten the No. 1 camshaft bracket in three steps, in the order shown.
    1. No. 1 camshaft bracket bolts 
    2. Step 1 : 1.96 Nm (0.2 kg-m, 17 in-lb) 
    3. Step 2 : 6 Nm (0.6 kg-m, 52 in-lb) 
    4. Step 3 : 8.30 - 10.3 Nm (0.90 - 1.00 kg-m, 74 - 91 in-lb)  )
    Fig 4: Camshaft Bracket Bolts Tightening Sequence
    G00572432Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  4. Install the thermostat, gasket and coolant inlet housing.

    Coolant inlet housing bolts : 8.4 - 11.2 Nm (0.86 - 1.14 kg-m, 74.6 - 99.0 in-lb) 

  5. Install rear timing chain case as follows:
    1. Install new O-rings on cylinder block.
      Fig 5: O-rings
      G00572422Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    2. Install new O-rings on cylinder head.
      Fig 6: O-rings
      G00572421Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    6. Fig 7: Rear Timing Chain Case Sealant Application Specifications
    G00572433Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  6. Apply Silicone RTV Sealant to rear timing chain case as shown.
    • Use Genuine Silicone RTV Sealant, or equivalent.
    • Before installation, wipe off the protruding sealant.
  7. Align the rear timing chain case with the dowel pins (RH and LH) on the cylinder block and install the case. Make sure the O-rings stay in place during installation.
    1. Loosely install the rear timing chain case in the order shown. There are two bolt lengths used. Follow the chart below for proper bolt length specifications.
      Bolt position to length

      Bolt position Bolt length
      1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 20 mm (0.79 in)
      4, 5, 11 - 26 16 mm (0.63 in)
    2. After all bolts are initially tightened, retighten them to the specification in the order shown.

      Rear timing chain case : 12 - 13 Nm (1.2 - 1.4 kg-m, 9 -10 ft-lb) 

      Fig 8: Rear Timing Chain Case Bolts Tightening Sequence
      G00572434Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  8. After installing rear timing chain case, check surface height difference between the rear timing chain case to cylinder block

    Standard : -0.24 - 0.14 mm (-0.0094 - 0.0055 in) 

  9. Install the timing chain tension guide.

    Timing chain tension guide bolts : 19.6 - 23.5 Nm (2.0 - 2.3 kg-m, 15 -17 ft-lb) 

  10. 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. 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.
      Fig 9: Dowel Pin Hole, Dowel Pin And Crankshaft Key Locations
      G00572435Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
      CAUTION: Hole on small diameter side must be used for intake camshaft sprocket dowel pin. Do not misidentify (ignore big diameter side).
  11. If necessary, install the water pump. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .

    Water pump bolts : 8.5 - 10.7 Nm (0.86 - 1.10 kg-m, 75-95 in-lb) 

    Fig 10: Water Pump Location
    G00572424Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  12. 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 11: Installing Secondary Timing Chains
      G00572436Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    1. Align the matching marks on the secondary timing chain (gold 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 and oval types. They should be used for the RH and LH banks, respectively. RH bank: use round type. LH bank: use oval type.
        • Fig 12: Aligning Matching Marks On The Secondary Timing Chain
        G00572437Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    2. Align The Dowel Pin And Pin Hole On The Camshaft With The Groove And Dowel Pin On The Sprocket, 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 On The Back Side Of The Camshaft Sprocket, And Install Them.
      • On The Exhaust Side, Align The Dowel Pin On The Camshaft Front End With The Pin Groove On The Camshaft Sprocket, 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.
      • It May Be Difficult To Visually Check The Dislocation Of Mating Marks During And After Installation. To Make The Matching Easier, Make A Mating Mark On The Sprocket Teeth In Advance With Paint.
      Fig 13: Making Mating Mark On The Sprocket Teeth
      G00572438Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  13. 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 camshaft sprocket bolts.

      Camshaft sprocket bolts : 98 - 107 Nm (10.5 - 10.9 kg-m, 73 - 78 ft-lb) 

    Fig 14: Tightening Camshaft Sprocket Bolts
    G00572439Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  14. Pull the stopper pins out from the timing chain tensioners (for secondary timing chains).
    Fig 15: Stopper Pins
    G00572440Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  15. Install the crankshaft sprocket on the crankshaft.
    • Make sure the mating marks on the crankshaft sprocket face the front of the engine.
    Fig 16: Installing Crankshaft Sprocket
    G00572441Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  16. Install the primary timing chain.
    • Install primary timing chain so the mating mark (punched) on camshaft sprocket is aligned with the yellow link on the timing chain, while the mating mark (notched) on the crankshaft sprocket is aligned with the gold link on the timing chain, as shown.
      Fig 17: Installing Primary Timing Chain
      G00572442Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    • 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.
  17. Install the internal chain guide.

    Internal chain guide bolts : 6.9 Nm (0.70 - 0.95 kg-m, 61 - 82 in-lb) 

    Fig 18: Installing Internal Chain Guide
    G00572443Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  18. Install the slack guide.
    • Do not overtighten the slack guide installation bolt. It is normal for a gap to exist under the bolt seats when the installation bolt are tightened to specification.

      Slack guide installation bolt : 12.7 - 18.6 Nm (1.3 - 1.8 kg-m, 10 - 13 ft-lb) 

    Fig 19: Slack Guide
    G00572444Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  19. Install the timing chain tensioner for the slack guide.

    Timing chain tensioner installationbolts : 6.9 - 9.3 Nm (0.70 - 0.95 kg-m, 61 - 82 in-lb) 

    • 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 by pressing the slack guide.
    Fig 20: Installing Timing Chain Tensioner
    G00572445Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  20. Reconfirm that the matching marks on the sprockets and the timing chain have not slipped out of alignment.
  21. Install new O-rings on the rear timing chain case.
    Fig 21: Installing New O-rings
    G00572446Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  22. Install the front oil seal on the front timing chain case using a suitable tool. Apply clean engine oil to the oil seal edges.
    • Install it so that each seal lip is oriented as shown.
      Fig 22: Installing Front Oil Seal
      G00572447Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
      Suitable drift

      Outer diameter 59 mm (2.32 in)Inner diameter
      Inner diameter 49 mm (1.93 in)
      CAUTION: Press fit straight and avoid causing burrs or tilting the oil seal.
    • Using a suitable drift, press-fit oil seal until it becomes flush with timing chain case end face.
      Fig 23: Press-fit oil seal
      G00572448Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    • Make sure the garter spring in the oil seal is in position and seal lip is not inverted.
  23. Apply Silicone RTV Sealant to front timing chain case as shown.
    • Use Genuine Silicone RTV Sealant, or equivalent.
    • Before installation, wipe off the protruding sealant.
    • Install dowel pin on the rear timing chain case into dowel pin hole in front timing chain case.
    Fig 24: Front Timing Chain Case Sealant Application Specifications
    G00572449Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  24. Loosely install the front timing chain case bolts.
    Bolt position to diameter

    Bolt position Bolt diameter
    1, 2 8 mm (0.31 in)
    3 - 22 6 mm (0.24 in)
  25. Tighten the front timing chain case bolts in the order shown.
    • Retighten the front timing chain case bolts in the order shown.
    Fig 25: Front Timing Chain Case Bolts Tightening Sequence
    G00572450Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    Bolt position to Tightening specification

    Bolt position Tightening specification
    1, 2 28.5 N.m (2.9 kg-m, 21 ft-lb)
    3 - 22 12.8 N.m (1.3 kg-m, 9 ft-lb)
  26. After installing the front timing chain case, check the surface height difference between the following parts on the oil pan mounting surface.
    • If not within specification, repeat the installation procedure.

    Front timing chain case to rear timing chain case : (-0.14) - 0.14 mm [(- 0.0055) - 0.0055 in] 

    Front timing chain case to cylinder block : (-0.36) - (-0.10) mm [(-0.0142) - (-0.0039) in] 

    Fig 26: Checking Surface Height Difference
    G00572811Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  27. Install IVT control valve covers as follows:
    1. Install new collared O-rings in front cover oil hole (LH and RH sides).
      Fig 27: Installing IVT Control Valve Covers
      G00572812Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    2. Install new seal rings on the IVT control covers.
    3. Apply Silicone RTV Sealant to the IVT control covers.
      • Use Genuine Silicone RTV Sealant, or equivalent.
        Fig 28: Silicone RTV Application To IVT Control Covers
        G00572813Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
      • Being careful not to move the seal ring from the installation groove, align the dowel pins on the chain case with the holes to install the IVT control covers.
      • Tighten the intake valve timing control cover bolts in the order shown.
        Fig 29: Identifying Primary & Secondary Timing Chains With Mating Marks Position
        G00572814Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

      Intake valve timing control cover bolts : 9.81 - 12.7 Nm (1.0 - 1.2 kg-m, 87 - 112 in-lb) 

  28. Apply liquid gasket and install the chain tensioner cover.

      Water pump cover bolts : 10 - 12 Nm (1.0 - 1.3 kg-m, 87 - 112 in-lb) 

      Chain tensioner cover bolts : 10 - 12 Nm (1.0 - 1.3 kg-m, 87 - 112 in-lb) 

    • Use Genuine Silicone RTV Sealant or equivalent.
    Fig 30: Chain Tensioner Cover Sealant Application
    G00572815Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  29. Install the RH engine mounting insulator, mount and bracket. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
  30. Install the RH and LH rocker covers. Tighten the rocker cover bolts in two steps in the order shown.

    Step 1 : 0.96 - 2.96 Nm (0.1 - 0.3 kg-m, 9 - 26 in-lb) 

    Step 2 : 7.33 - 9.33 Nm (0.75 - 0.95 kg-m, 65 - 82 in-lb) 

    Fig 31: Rocker Cover Bolts Tightening Sequence
    G00572845Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  31. Install the IVT control solenoid valve bank 1 and bank 2.

    IVT control solenoid valve bolts : 10 - 12 Nm (1.0 - 1.3 kg-m, 87 - 112 in-lb) 

    Fig 32: Installing IVT Control Solenoid Valve Banks
    G00572816Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  32. Install the engine oil dipstick.
  33. Install the six spark plugs in their original positions.

    Spark plugs : 20 - 29 Nm (2.0 - 3.0 kg-m, 14 - 22 ft-lb) 

    Fig 33: Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils With Torque Specifications
    G00572817Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  34. Install the six ignition coils in their original positions.

    Ignition coils : 6.37 - 7.54 Nm (0.65 - 0.76 kg-m, 57 - 66 in-lb) 

  35. Install the intake manifold collector. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
  36. Install crankshaft pulley and tighten the bolt in two steps.
    • Lubricate thread and seat surface of the bolt with new engine oil.
    • Apply a paint mark for the second step of angle tightening.
    Fig 34: Installing Crankshaft Pulley
    G00572818Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    Fig 35: Paint Mark Application
    G00572819Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    Step 1 : 39 - 49 Nm (4.0 - 5.0 kg-m, 29 - 36 ft-lb) 

    Step 2 : 60° - 65° degrees clockwise 

  37. Remove Tool attached to the starter bolt hole.

    Tool number : KV10117700 (J-44716) 

    Fig 36: Removing Tool M/T With Torque Specifications
    G00572846Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    Fig 37: Removing Tool A/T
    G00572847Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  38. Install the starter motor. Refer to STARTER .
  39. Install the RH engine mounting insulator, mount and bracket. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
  40. Position and connect the engine harness.
  41. Install the generator. Refer to REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
  42. Install the upper and lower oil pans. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
  43. Install the power steering pump. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
  44. Install the A/C compressor and recharge the system. Refer to EVACUATING SYSTEM AND CHARGING REFRIGERANT , REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION FOR COMPRESSOR .
  45. Install the idler pulley and the drive belts. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
  46. Install the inner fender splash shield and the engine undercover.
  47. Connect the inlet coolant hose.
  48. Install the IPDM E/R and bracket.
  49. Install the RH wheel and tire. Refer to BASIC SERVICE PROCEDURE .
  50. Install the windshield wiper assembly. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION FOR WIPER MOTOR AND LINKAGE .
  51. Install the cowl top grille. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
  52. Install the fuel hose quick connector to the fuel tube at the vehicle piping side. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
  53. Install the engine coolant reservoir. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
  54. Install the upper air cleaner case, mass air flow sensor and air cleaner to electric throttle control actuator tube. Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
  55. Install engine cover.
    Fig 38: Engine Cover With Torque Specifications
    G00572848Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  56. Refill the coolant. Refer to REFILLING ENGINE COOLANT .
    CAUTION: Wait at least 30 minutes for the Silicone RTV Sealant to set before filling the engine with fluids to avoid leaks.
  57. Refill the engine oil. Refer to CHANGING ENGINE OIL .
    CAUTION: Wait at least 30 minutes for the Silicone RTV Sealant to set before filling the engine with fluids to avoid leaks.
  58. Connect the battery negative and positive terminals.
  59. Activate the fuel system. Check for any leaks when the system is repressurized and correct as necessary.
  60. 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.
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