Timing Chain and Sprockets Cleaning and Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Savana and 2003 Chevrolet Chevy Express. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.

Clean the components with cleaning solvent.
Dry the components with compressed air.
Inspect the camshaft timing chain for binding or wear.

Fig 1: Inspecting Camshaft Timing Chain
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the camshaft sprocket and the crankshaft sprocket for:
- Broken teeth (1)
- Damaged teeth (2)
- Chipped teeth (3)
- Worn teeth
- Uneven wear on the edge of the teeth
- Worn valleys between the sprocket teeth
- Crankshaft sprocket keyway for wear
  
  Fig 2: Inspecting Camshaft Sprocket & Crankshaft Sprocket
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.