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Timing Chain: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Nissan Altima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Apply Genuine RTV Silicone Sealant or equivalent, to the rear timing chain case. Refer to POSITION FOR APPLYING LIQUID GASKET  .
  2. Align the rear timing chain case and water pump assembly with the dowel pins (RH and LH) on the cylinder block and install the case. Make sure the O-rings stay in place during installation.
    1. Tighten the mounting bolts in the numerical order as shown. There are two bolt lengths used. Follow the chart below for proper bolt length specifications.
      Fig 1: View Of Bolt Postion To Length Table
      G02110633Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
      Fig 2: View Of Rear Timing Chain Case Torque Sequence
      G02110634Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    2. After all bolts are initially tightened, retighten them to the specification in the numerical order as shown.
      1. Rear timing chain case bolts :12-13 N.m (1.2-1.4 kg-m, 9-10 ft-lb) 
  3. Install the timing chain tension guide.
  4. Position the crankshaft so No. 1 piston is set at TDC on the compression stroke.
    • Make sure that the knock pin hole, knock pin and crankshaft key are located as shown.

      Camshaft knock pin hole (intake side): at cylinder head upper face side in each bank.

      Camshaft knock pin (exhaust side): at cylinder head upper face side in each bank.

      Crankshaft key: at cylinder head side of RH bank.

    Fig 3: View Of Camshaft Dowel Pin Positioning
    G02110635Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    CAUTION: Hole on small diameter side must be used for intake knock pin. Do not misidentify (ignore big diameter side).
  5. Install the crankshaft sprocket on the crankshaft.
    • Make sure the mating marks on the crankshaft sprocket face the front of the engine. 
    Fig 4: View Of Crankshaft Matching Marks
    G02110636Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  6. Install the secondary timing chains and camshaft sprockets.
    CAUTION: Matching marks between the timing chain and sprockets slip easily. Confirm all matching mark positions repeatedly during the installation process.
    • Push the sleeve of the secondary chain tensioner and keep it pressed in with a stopper pin.
    1. Align the matching marks on the secondary timing chain (gold link) with the ones on the intake and exhaust sprockets (stamped), and install them.
      • Matching marks for the intake sprocket are on the back side of the secondary sprocket.
      • There are two types of matching marks, round and oval types. They should be used for the RH and LH banks, respectively.

        RH bank: use round type.

        LH bank: use oval type.

    2. Align the knock pin and pin hole on the camshaft with the groove and knock pin on the sprocket, and install them.
      • On the intake side, align the pin hole on the small diameter side of the camshaft front end with the knock pin on the back side of the camshaft sprocket, and install them.
      • On the exhaust side, align the knock pin on the camshaft front end with the pin groove on the camshaft sprocket, and install them.
      • Mounting bolts for the camshaft sprockets must be tightened in the next step. Tightening them by hand is enough to prevent the dislocation of the knock pins.
        Fig 5: View Of Camshaft Timing Chain Alignment
        G02110638Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
      • It may be difficult to visually check the dislocation of mating marks during and after installation. To make the matching easier, make a mating mark on the sprocket teeth in advance with paint.
      Fig 6: View Of Mating Mark
      G02110639Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  7. Install the secondary timing chain and sprocket to the other bank. Install the primary timing chain at the same time.
    • Installation of the secondary timing chain follows the procedure in step  6.
    • Install primary timing chain so the mating mark (punched) on camshaft sprocket is aligned with the yellow link on the timing chain, while the mating mark (notched) on the crankshaft sprocket is aligned with the orange one on the timing chain, as shown.
    • When it is difficult to align mating marks of the primary timing chain with each sprocket, gradually turn the camshaft using a wrench on the hexagonal portion to align it with the mating marks.
    • During alignment, be careful to prevent dislocation of mating mark alignments of the secondary timing chains.
    Fig 7: View Of Secondary Timing Chains
    G02110640Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  8. After confirming the mating marks are aligned, tighten the camshaft sprocket mounting bolts.
    • Secure the camshaft using a wrench at the hexagonal portion to tighten the mounting bolts.
    Fig 8: View Of Tightening Camshaft Mounting Bolts
    G02110641Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  9. Pull the stopper pins out from the secondary timing chain tensioner.
    Fig 9: Removing Stopper Pins
    G02110642Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  10. Install the internal chain guide.
    Fig 10: View Of Internal Chain Guide
    G02110643Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  11. Install the slack guide.
    • Do not overtighten the slack guide mounting bolts. It is normal for a gap to exist under the bolt seats when the mounting bolts are tightened to specification.
    Fig 11: View Of Slack Guide Mounting Bolts
    G02110644Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  12. Install the timing chain tensioner for the slack guide.
    • When installing the chain tensioner, push in the sleeve and keep it pressed in with the stopper pin.
    • Remove any dirt and foreign materials completely from the back and the mounting surfaces of the chain tensioner.
    • After installation, pull out the stopper pin by pressing the slack guide.
  13. Reconfirm that the matching marks on the sprockets and the timing chain have not slipped out of alignment.
    Fig 12: View Of Timing Chain Tensioner
    G02110645Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  14. Install new O-rings on the rear timing chain case.
    Fig 13: View Of Rear Rear Timing Chain Case O-Rings
    G02110646Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  15. Install the front oil seal on the front timing chain case using a suitable tool. Apply clean engine oil to the oil seal edges.
    Fig 14: View Of Front Oil Seal
    G02110647Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  16. Apply liquid gasket to front timing chain case.

    Refer to POSITION FOR APPLYING LIQUID GASKET  .

    • Before installation, wipe off the protruding sealant. 
  17. Install the rear case pin into dowel pin hole on front timing chain case.
  18. Tighten bolts to the specified torque in order shown in the figure.
    Fig 15: View Of Front Timing Chain Cover Torque Sequence
    G02110648Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  19. After installing the front timing chain case, check the surface height difference between the following parts on the oil pan mounting surface.
    • If not within specification, repeat the installation procedure.
      Fig 16: Checking Surface Height
      G02110649Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
      1. Front timing chain case to rear timing chain case :(-0.14)-0.14mm [(-0.005] -0.0055 in] 
      2. Oil pump to cylinder block :(-0.36) -(-0.10) mm [(-0.0142) -(-0.0039) in] 
      3. Rear timing chain case to cylinder block :(-0.24)-0.14 mm [(-0.0094)-0.0055 in] 
  20. Install IVTC valve covers as follows:
    1. Install new O-rings on the front of the timing chain case.
    2. Install new seal rings on the IVTC valve covers.
    3. Apply RTV Silicone Sealant to the IVTC solenoid valve covers.

      Use genuine RTV Silicone Sealant, or equivalent.

      Fig 17: Applying Sealnt To IVTC Valve Covers
      G02110650Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
      • Being careful not to move the seal ring from the installation groove, align the dowel pins on the chain case with the holes to install the IVTC solenoid valve covers.
      • Tighten in the numerical order as shown.
      Fig 18: View Of IVTC Solenoid Valve Cover Torque Sequence
      G02110651Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  21. Install the water pump cover and the chain tensioner cover. Apply RTV Silicone Sealant or equivalent.
    Fig 19: Installing Water Pump & Chain Tensioner Cover
    G02110652Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  22. Install the RH and LH rocker covers.

    Rocker cover tightening procedure: 

    • Tighten the rocker cover bolts in two stages in the numerical order as shown. 
      1. Stage 1 :0.96 - 2.96 N.m (0.1-0.3 kg -m, 9-26 in-lb) 
      2. Stage 2 :7.33-9.33 N.m (0.75-0.95 kg-m, 65-82 in-lb) 
      Fig 20: View Of Rocker Cover Bolt Torque Sequence (1 Of 2)
      G02110653Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
      Fig 21: View Of Rocker Cover Bolt Torque Sequence (2 Of 2)
      G02110654Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  23. Install the IVTC solenoid valve bank 1 and bank 2.
    1. IVTC solenoid :10-12 N.m (1.0-1.3 kg-m, 
    2. valve bolts 87-112 in-lb) 
  24. Install the engine oil dipstick.
  25. Install the six spark plugs to their original positions.
    1. Spark plugs (6) :20-29 N.m (2.0-3.0 kg-m, 14-22ft-lb) 
  26. Install the six ignition coils to their original positions.
    1. Ignition coils (6) :6.37 - 7.54 N.m (0.65-0.76 kg-m, 57-66 in - lb) 
  27. Install the intake manifold collector. Tighten the bolts and nuts in numerical order as shown.
    1. Intake manifold :18-21 N.m (1.8-2.2 kg-lb, collector bolts 13-15 ft-lb) 
  28. Connect the EVAP purge volume control solenoid hose.
  29. Connect the PCV hose.
  30. Connect the coolant hoses to the electric throttle control actuator.
  31. Connect the power brake booster vacuum hose.
  32. Connect the electric throttle control actuator harness electrical connector.
    Fig 22: View Of Intake Manifold Collector Torque Sequence
    G02110657Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  33. Install crankshaft pulley and tighten the bolt in two stages.
    • ubricate thread and seat surface of the bolt with new engine oil.
    • Apply a paint mark for the second stage of angle tightening.
      1. Stage 1 :29-49 N.m (4.0-5.0 kg-m,29-36 ft-lb) 
      2. Stage 2 :60°-65° degrees clockwise 
      Fig 23: View Of Crankshaft Angle Tightening
      G02110659Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  34. Remove the ring gear stopper.
  35. Install the starter motor.

    Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .

  36. Install the RH engine mount and bracket.
    1. Engine mount to frame bolts (2) :66-74 N.m (6.7-7.6 kg-m, 49- 54 ft- lb) 
    2. Engine mount bracket to front cover bolts (2) :79-90 N.m (8.0-9.2 kg-m, 58-66 ft- lb) 
    3. Engine mount bracket to front cover nut (1) :10-15 N.m (1.0-1.6 kg-m, 87-138 in-lb) 
    4. Engine mount to bracket nuts (2) :49-58 N.m (5.0-6.0 kg-m, 37-43 ft-lb) 
  37. Reposition and reconnect the engine harness.
  38. Install the alternator.

    Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .

  39. Install the power steering pump.
  40. Install the A/C compressor and recharge the system.
  41. Install the idler pulley and the drive belts.

    Refer to CHECKING DRIVE BELTS  .

  42. Install the inner fender splash shield and the engine undercovers.
  43. Install the RH wheel and tire.
  44. Install the fuel hose quick connector to the fuel tube at the vehicle piping side.

    Refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  .

  45. Install the engine coolant reservoir.
  46. Install the intake air duct with the air cleaner case lid and mass air flow sensor.
  47. Install engine cover.
  48. Refill the engine with oil and coolant.
    CAUTION: Wait at least 30 minutes for the RTV Silicone Sealant to set before filling the engine with fluids to avoid leaks.
  49. Install the battery.
  50. Activate the fuel system. Check for any leaks when the system is repressurized and correct as necessary.
  51. Start the engine and check all systems for leaks or improper operation. Correct as necessary.
    • After starting engine, keep idling for three minutes. Then rev engine up to 3,000 rpm under no load to purge air from the high-pressure oil chamber of the chain tensioners. The engine may produce a rattling noise. This indicates that air still remains in the chamber and is not a matter of concern. 
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