Timing Chain Assembly Question

[thompsdw]

Well, I am finally going back together with my 4-Tec engine today. Real quick question about managing the timing chain WRT to the block and the head. I assume that the general procedure is:

1. Get the pistons in the upper case.
2. Place the crank in the upper case and torque the connecting rods.
3. Put the chain on the crank sprocket and put lower chain guide in place.
4. Seal cases with right stuff and torque cases.
5. Put head on top of case, loop chain over cam shaft sproket and slide sprocket onto the camshaft.
6. Slide head gasket into place under head.
7. Torque Head in place.
8. Install chain tensioner.

Is this generally correct? I am asking about the chain placement because I assume there is not much slack in the chain during assembly and you have to install it by slipping the gear over the camshaft?

Just looking for a few tips here. I want to do it right the first time!

[9secZO6]

umm...put chain on crank when u put it in the upper case (no room after), and your not serious about sliding the head gasket under the head with camchain and all on huh? put gasket in place, install head and camchain/sprocket. This must be your 1st 4-tec build.....take your time and double check everything u do. These things are not very forgiving when it comes to camshaft timing, use tools to lock the cam and crank when u do this

[thompsdw]

Yes, it is my first build. Here is what I am trying to get a feel for before I do it and make a mistake. Is there enough slack in the chain when the chain tensioner is off to allow the chain to slip over the camshaft sprocket after everything is assembled, or do you have to finesse it?

[JPR]

Good on ya mate for giving it a go. maybe a purchase of a manual would really help you in this situation. just do an ebay search as there is a bit of little information that you have to follow in order to have a correct working engine.

[Shibby1485]

before you lay the crank in the case... u gotta put the chain guide there...then get the chain on the crank like he said...then put crank in place, tighten all your rods, put the bottom case half on...

flip the engine and put head gasket on, lay head in place, torque it...

THEN get a magnet wand and get the chain out from the bottom of the engine and put it around the sprocket and do all your timing procedures..

[thompsdw]

That's what I was looking for Shibby (in a more polite tone). Appears that there is enough slack when the tensioner is off. I have the manual - it is not that great on step by step and tricks. I knew about the chain guide - I don't want to split them again. Thanks very much.

[Shibby1485]

no problem... let me know if you need anymore help

[jasonze]

dont put the cam sprocket onto the cam you need to get the chain around it first then place it onto the cam it takes a couple of goes to get the marks to line up then bolt the sproket up tight with the locking tools in then fit tensioner and then romove tools, if the tensioner wont go in your 1 tooth out so the slack is on the wrong side of the sprockets.
Also the flywheel needs to be off to see the balance shaft timing marks.
Check and double check the thrust washers are in place on crank and balance shafts. 3 washers on the bendix, and take care with pto gasket as there arent enough dowel pins to hold it nicely in place around the water pump area so make sure the bolts go through the gasket and not push it aside,
NEW rod bolts,rocker shaft bolts and head bolts!
The first one seems fiddly but when you do another few they are a simple engine.

Jason............