Tools Required

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

J 45027 Tensioner Tool

Install the timing chain drive sprocket to the crankshaft with the timing mark in the 5 o'clock position.

Fig 1: Identifying Timing Chain Drive Sprocket Timing Mark
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important:
- There are three colored links on the timing chain. Two links are of matching color, and one link is of a unique color. Use the following procedure to line up the links with the sprockets. Orient the chain so that the colored links are visible.
- Always use new sprocket bolts.
Assemble the intake camshaft sprocket to the timing chain with the timing mark lined up with the uniquely colored link (1). Hand tighten a new intake camshaft sprocket bolt.

Fig 2: Identifying Intake Camshaft Sprocket Alignment Marks
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Lower the timing chain through the opening in the cylinder head. Use care to ensure that the chain goes around both sides of the cylinder block bosses (1, 2).

Fig 3: Identifying Cylinder Block Bosses
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Route the timing chain around the crankshaft sprocket and line up the first matching colored link (2) with the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket, in approximately the 5 o'clock position.

Fig 4: Aligning Marks On Timing Chain & Crankshaft Sprocket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the adjustable timing chain guide through the opening in the cylinder head and install the adjustable timing chain bolt.
Tighten

Tighten the adjustable timing chain guide bolt to 10 N.m (89 lb in).

Fig 5: Installing Adjustable Timing Chain Guide
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: Always install new sprocket bolts.
Install the exhaust camshaft sprocket and a new bolt loosely onto the exhaust camshaft.

Fig 6: Installing Exhaust Camshaft Sprocket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Align the timing mark on the sprocket with the last matching colored link (3). Install the bolt finger tight.

Fig 7: Identifying Exhaust Camshaft Sprocket Alignment Marks
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: Do not turn the camshaft more than 1/2 turn in either direction. To do so may cause valve to piston contact. This may damage a valve and/or a piston. If the camshaft is 180 degrees out of time, use the following procedure to re-align the cam.
Using a 24 mm wrench, first turn the intake camshaft until the alignment feature on the back of the camshaft sprocket seats in the notch in the front of the intake camshaft.
1. 8.1. Turn the crankshaft 45 degrees in either direction.
2. 8.2. Turn the intake cam to the appropriate location.
3. 8.3. Turn the crankshaft back to top dead center.
Fig 8: Turning Camshaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
When the sprocket seats on the cam, tighten the sprocket bolt hand tight.
Verify that all of the colored links and the appropriate timing marks are still aligned. If they are not, repeat the portion of the procedure necessary to align the timing marks.
Install, the fixed timing chain guide.
Tighten

Tighten the fixed timing chain guide bolts to 10 N.m (89 lb in).

Fig 9: Installing Fixed Timing Chain Guide
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the upper timing chain guide.
Tighten

Tighten the upper timing chain guide bolts to 10 N.m (89 lb in).

Fig 10: Installing Upper Timing Chain Guide
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Using a 24 mm wrench, engage the hex on the intake camshaft and using a torque wrench, tighten the camshaft sprocket bolt.
Tighten

Tighten the intake camshaft sprocket bolt to 85 N.m (63 lb ft), plus 30 degrees using a torque angle meter.
Using a 24 mm wrench, engage the hex on the exhaust camshaft and using a torque wrench, tighten the camshaft sprocket bolt.
Tighten

Tighten the exhaust camshaft sprocket bolt to 85 N.m (63 lb ft), plus 30 degrees using a torque angle meter.

Fig 11: Tightening Camshaft Sprocket Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the timing chain tensioner. If the timing chain tensioner, O-ring seal, or washer is damaged, replace the timing chain tensioner.
Measure the timing chain tensioner assembly from end to end.
A new tensioner should be supplied in the fully compressed non-active state. A tensioner in the compressed state will measure 72 mm (2.83 in) (a) from end to end. A tensioner in the active state will measure 85 mm (3.35 in) (a) from end to end.

Fig 12: Measuring Overall Length Of Timing Chain Tensioner
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
If the timing chain tensioner is not in the compressed state, perform the following steps:
1. 17.1. Remove the piston assembly from the body of the timing chain tensioner by pulling it out.
2. 17.2. Install the J 45027-2 (2) into a vise.
3. 17.3. Install the notch end of the piston assembly into the J 45027-2 (2).
4. 17.4. Using the J 45027-1 (1), turn the ratchet cylinder into the piston.
Fig 13: Compressing Timing Chain Tensioner
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the bore of the tensioner body for dirt, debris, and damage. If any damage appears, replace the tensioner. Clean dirt or the debris out with a lint free cloth.
Install the compressed piston assembly back into the timing chain tensioner body until it stops at the bottom of the bore. Do not compress the piston assembly against the bottom of the bore. If the piston assembly is compressed against the bottom of the bore, it will activate the tensioner, which will then need to be reset again.
At this point the tensioner should measure approximately 72 mm (2.83 in) (a) from end to end. See Fig 12. If the tensioner does not read 72 mm (2.83 in) (a) from end to end repeat steps 17.1 and 17.4.
Inspect to ensure all dirt and debris is removed from the timing chain tensioner threaded hole in the cylinder head.
Install the new timing chain tensioner assembly.
Tighten

Tighten the timing chain tensioner to 75 N.m (55 lb ft).
The timing chain tensioner is released by compressing it 2 mm (.079 in) which will release the locking mechanism in the ratchet. To release the timing chain tensioner, use a suitable tool with a rubber tip on the end. Feed the tool down through the cam drive chest to rest on the cam chain. Then give a sharp jolt diagonally downwards to release the tensioner.

Fig 14: Installing Timing Chain Tensioner
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the timing chain oiling nozzle.
Tighten

Tighten the timing chain oiling nozzle bolt to 10 N.m (89 lb in).

Fig 15: Installing Timing Chain Oiling Nozzle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Apply sealant GM P/N 12345382 (Canadian P/N 10953489) compound to the thread, and install the timing chain guide bolt access hole plug.
Tighten

Tighten the access hole plug to 90 N.m (66 lb ft).

Fig 16: Installing Timing Chain Guide Bolt Access Hole Plug
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.