Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Failure to follow this procedure could result in severe engine damage.

Install the intake camshaft sprocket onto the camshaft with the marked surface showing.
Install the intake camshaft sprocket retaining bolt and washer. Tighten the bolt to 70 N.m (52 ft lbs) while holding the sprocket with the J 39579.
Use Adhesive/Sealant Compound GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) or equivalent on the camshaft sprocket bolt.
Install the J 36008-A through the holes in the camshaft sprockets into the holes in the timing chain housing in order to position the camshaft for correct timing.
If the camshafts are out of position and must be rotated more than 1/8 turn in order to install the alignment dowel pins, use the following procedure:
1. 5.1. The crankshaft must be rotated 90 degrees clockwise off of the TDC in order to give the valves adequate clearance to open.
2. 5.2. Once the camshafts are in position and the dowels installed, rotate the crankshaft counter clockwise back to the top dead center.
Fig 1: Camshaft Sprockets
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Do not rotate the crankshaft clockwise to TDC. Valve or piston damage could occur.

Important: The side of the timing chain that was marked during removal must be showing when the chain is installed.
Install the timing chain over the exhaust camshaft sprocket, around the idler sprocket and around the crankshaft sprocket.

Fig 2: Timing Chain
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Set the camshaft sprockets at the timed position and use the following procedure in order to install the timing chain:
1. 7.1. Remove the alignment dowel pin from the intake camshaft.
2. 7.2. Use the J 39579 in order to rotate the intake camshaft sprocket counter clockwise enough to slide the timing chain over the intake camshaft sprocket.
3. 7.3. Release the J 39579. The length of the chain between the 2 camshaft sprockets will tighten.
4. 7.4. If properly timed the intake camshaft alignment dowel pin should slide in easily. If the dowel pin does not fully index, the camshafts are not timed correctly and the procedure must be repeated.
Leave the alignment dowel pins installed.
Raise and support the vehicle.
With the slack removed from the chain between the intake camshaft sprocket and the crankshaft sprocket, the timing marks on the crankshaft and the cylinder block should be aligned. If the marks are not aligned, move the chain one tooth forward or rearward, remove the slack and the recheck marks.

Fig 3: Aligning Timing Chain
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
The timing chain tensioner must be reset on the workbench. Refer to TIMING CHAIN, SPROCKETS & TENSIONER .
Install the tensioner assembly to the chain housing. Recheck the plunger assembly installation, it is correctly installed when the long end is toward the crankshaft.
Install the timing chain tensioner bolts. Tighten the bolts to 10 N.m (89 in lbs).
Lower the vehicle enough to reach and remove the alignment dowel pins.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise (normal rotation) 2 full rotations.
Align the crankshaft keyway with the mark on the cylinder block and reinstall alignment dowel pins.

Fig 4: Aligning Crankshaft Keyway

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Alignment dowel pins will slide in easily if the engine is timed correctly.
Install the timing chain guides.
Install the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement .
Connect the negative battery cable.