1st Timing Chain & Chain Tensioner Installation

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

Check that crank timing sprocket key (1) is in match with timing mark (2) on cylinder block.

Fig 1: Identifying Crankshaft Timing Sprocket Key & Timing Mark On Cylinder Block
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Install crankshaft timing sprocket (2) as shown in the figure. Match mark (4) faces to chain cover.

Fig 2: Identifying Crankshaft Timing Sprocket Installation Position
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Apply to bush of idler sprocket (1).
Install sprocket shaft and idler sprocket.
Install 1st timing chain (3) by aligning dark blue plate (4) of 1st timing chain and match mark (2) on the idler sprocket.

Fig 3: Identifying 1st Timing Chain Alignment Link (Dark Blue Chain Link) & Idler Sprocket Alignment Mark
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Bring yellow plate (4) of 1st timing chain (3) into match with match mark (2) on crankshaft timing sprocket (1).

Fig 4: Identifying 1st Timing Chain Alignment Link & Crankshaft Sprocket Alignment Mark
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Install timing chain tensioner (1) as shown in the figure.
Tightening torque
1. Timing chain tensioner nut (a): 25 N.m (2.5 kg-m, 18.5 lb-ft)
Fig 5: Identifying Timing Chain Tensioner
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
With latch (2) of tensioner adjuster No. 1 returned and plunger (1) pushed back into body (3), hold it at the position by inserting stopper (4) between latch (2) and body (3).

Fig 6: Locking Tensioner Adjuster No. 1
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Install timing chain tensioner adjuster No.1 (1).
Tightening torque
1. Timing chain tensioner adjuster No.1 bolt (a): 11 N.m (1.1 kg-m, 8.0 lb-ft)
Pull out stopper (3) from adjuster No.1 (1).

Fig 7: Installing Timing Chain Tensioner Adjuster No.1
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Install timing chain guide No.1 (1).
Tightening torque
1. Timing chain guide No.1 bolt (a): 9 N.m (0.9 kg-m, 6.5 lb-ft)
Fig 8: Identifying Timing Chain Guide No.1 Bolts
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Check that dark blue (2) and yellow (4) plate of 1st timing chain are in match with match marks on sprockets respectively.

Fig 9: Checking 1st Timing Chain Links & Match Marks On Sprockets
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Install 2nd timing chain. See 2ND TIMING CHAIN & CHAIN TENSIONER INSTALLATION .
Install timing chain cover. See TIMING CHAIN COVER REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
Install cylinder head cover. See CYLINDER HEAD COVER REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
Install oil pan and oil pump strainer. See OIL PAN, OIL PUMP STRAINER REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .
Adjust cooling fan belt tension. See COOLING FAN BELT TENSION CHECK & ADJUSTMENT .
Refill cooling system with coolant, front differential with gear oil, engine with engine oil and power steering system with specified fluid.
Verify that there is no coolant leakage, oil leakage, power steering fluid leakage and exhaust gas leakage at each connection.