Timing Chain Component (LH) Installation Note

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mazda 6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Verify that the crankshaft keyway is at 11 o'clock position.

Fig 1: Locating Crankshaft Keyway At 11 O'Clock Position
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Position the mark on the intake camshaft to 9 o'clock position.
Position the mark on the exhaust camshaft to 12 o'clock position.
NOTE:
- Install the timing chain by aligning the colored links on the timing chain with the marks on the timing sprockets.
Fig 2: Identifying Proper Intake & Exhaust Camshaft Positions
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Fig 3: Identifying Color Timing Chain Links & Proper Installation Positions (LH)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install the timing chain (LH) in the following order.
1. Timing chain crankshaft sprocket
2. Chain guide
3. Timing chain
4. Tensioner arm
5. Chain tensioner
NOTE:
- The chain guide should be installed to the actuator and allowed to hang freely when the bolts are installed. Do not hold the chain guide in an upward position when the bolts are installed. The actuator causes a wear O-ring and this installation method will allow that wear to continue.
NOTE:
- If timing marks in the timing chains are not evident, use a permanent-type marker to mark the crankshaft and camshaft timing marks on the timing chain.
  1. Mark any link to use as the crankshaft timing mark.
  2. Count 29 links from the crankshaft timing mark and mark as the exhaust camshaft sprocket timing mark.
  3. Continue counting to 42 mark the link as the intake camshaft sprocket timing mark.
  Fig 4: Verifying Timing Chain Marks
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:
- Install the camshaft journal thrust caps last, or damage to the thrust caps may occur.
Tighten the bearing caps evenly in the order shown in Fig 5 several passes.
NOTE:
- After adjusting the camshaft end play using the thrust caps 1L and 6L, tighten the other bearing caps.
Fig 5: Tightening Sequence Of Camshaft Caps Bolts
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.