So my car is in pieces and I can't figure out how to do this timing chain thing. I can use your help as I've never done anything like this before.

I posted before I did this and everyone said to make sure it is at TDC. Does it have to be at TDC to remove it?

To get TDC I read that you manually turn the motor and you will feel air escaping out of the Number 1 spark plug hole right before the two dots line at 6 and 12 o'clock. Did this about 4 times and the air would come out at 12 and 12 o'clock instead.

So now both sprockets are lined up. The dots on each are pointing at each other at 6 and 12 o'clock exactly. I've loosened up the bolts on the top bracket.

Can I just pull the assembly off completely right now? Then just swap chains, and re-install with the dots in the same position, correct? Also what is needed to get the lower sprocket back on?

 

It can be anywhere to remove it. 12 and 12 is #1 TDC, just like you found it to be. 12 and 6 is #6 TDC and where it needs to be when putting the chain back on (to easily see that the dots are lined up-you could also put it back on at 12 and 12,if you wanted to).

Since you already have the dots lined up, you can do the swap. The crank gear can be tapped on with a big socket or a sleeve that fits over the crank snout. Tap it on until it bottoms out and can go no further.

Assemble your new cam gear with the chain on it. With the chain dangling from the cam gear, lower the free end of the chain under the crank sprocket. Raise the chain and cam gear up to mesh the chain with the crank gear (keeping the dots aligned). Slip the cam gear over the dowel pin on the cam. You can pivot the cam gear a little to get slack, if needed. Just make sure that when you pivot the cam gear to align the bolt holes, that the dots are still aligned. If you get a tooth off, adjust and try again.

 

Thanks Rob I really appreciate it. So I can reinstall it with number 1 TDC as it sits now, or number 6 TDC? Number 6 TDC would be easier though since I can see the dots more more accurately if I'm reading correctly.

Let me read this back to you guys to make sure I got it down...I'm still a little unsure about the removing and reinstalling of the crank gear if you could elaborate a little more.

To remove the crank gear I need a socket that's smaller than the actual gear itself? I then slip it over the "snout" and hit it with a hammer? I assume the snout is the metal cylinder that sticks out 2 inches? There is a retaining clip(?) and a grove on this thing. So I hit the socket on it to depress this clip and then pull the gear straight out? To get it back on would I just press it on with the socket again?

To do the swap from number 6 TDC I would:

Remove the number 6 plug. Get the motor to number 6 TDC where the dots are at 6 and 12. Remove both gears. Swap the chain. Reinstall and make sure the dots line up along with the bolt holes. Get some locktight and torqu down the bolts.

I really appreciate the help. I've never done anything like this before so I apologize for all the questions.

 

I also have a small gear puller if I should use that instead to get the crank gear off. Sorry for the rambling, I've been up for 45 hours!

 

You originally only asked about how to install the crank gear, not take it off. Use a 2 or 3 claw puller to remove the crank gear. Protect the threads on the snout of the crank. You do not have to remove the key.

Leave the dots at 12 and 6 when you take it apart. Put the new parts back on in the same position.

 

Thanks Rob I appreciate it.