Where can I find timing chain alignment instructions?
The same manual should have the proper timing chain alignment instructions. You can also find step-by-step instructions at www.Autozone.com, setting up an account, and using their repair guides. I just checked, and your ’87 2.4L Z24 engine timing chain procedure is in there.
Why did I rotate the cam shaft independent of the crank shaft?
During a head gasket job I, in my inexperience, allowed the timing chain to slip off the crank shaft. This required taking the front cover off and re installing the timing chain. Again, in my inexperience, I moved the cam shaft around while the timing chain was not installed. At this point I realize the error of my ways.
What does it mean to re-install timing chain?
Which means to align the crank timing marks and the cam timing marks to spec, then re-install the timing chain. Before moving the cam or crank, find a copy of the manufacturer’s procedure on how to do this without banging the valves into the piston or the valves into the valves. The method varies engine to engine.
Can you rotate the cam shaft on an OHC engine?
Rotating the camshaft on an OHC engine is easy to do when your pulling the head. And even just changing the chain. If the crankshaft is turned to put the timing mark 90* before top dead center, all 4 pistons will be half way down their bores and you can spin the camshaft with no chance of a piston/valve collision.
When do you loosen the cams in an interference engine?
In an interference engine, you must loosen the cams so they can be rotated without hitting the pistons against the valves… When the belt is off, there is no defined stroke. A stroke is defined by the direction of movement of the crankshaft in relation to the position of the valves.
Can a camshaft be turned without a belt?
However, both camshafts need to be lined up with the timing marks as well as the crankshaft turned to TDC before you install the belt to keep everything lined up correctly. My belt guide also shows this not to be an interference engine, so the cam shafts and crankshafts can be turned independently without causing damage.
Where are the timing marks on a cam chain?
I just pulled the IVT cover off and found that the marked link on the chain is not inline with the gear mark. It lags by two full links. Normally I set timing by the gears, the crank pully, and the timing marks embossed into the casting of the block and head…if they are lined up, the chain really does not make a difference.
In an interference engine, you must loosen the cams so they can be rotated without hitting the pistons against the valves… When the belt is off, there is no defined stroke. A stroke is defined by the direction of movement of the crankshaft in relation to the position of the valves.
Which means to align the crank timing marks and the cam timing marks to spec, then re-install the timing chain. Before moving the cam or crank, find a copy of the manufacturer’s procedure on how to do this without banging the valves into the piston or the valves into the valves. The method varies engine to engine.
However, both camshafts need to be lined up with the timing marks as well as the crankshaft turned to TDC before you install the belt to keep everything lined up correctly. My belt guide also shows this not to be an interference engine, so the cam shafts and crankshafts can be turned independently without causing damage.
The same manual should have the proper timing chain alignment instructions. You can also find step-by-step instructions at www.Autozone.com, setting up an account, and using their repair guides. I just checked, and your ’87 2.4L Z24 engine timing chain procedure is in there.
What to do if your timing marks are wrong?
If there’s any question at all whether the timing marks are correctly aligned, seek someone with experience to double check before starting the engine. btw, Make sure when you do all this the spark plugs are removed. That makes it easier when hand turning the engine to notice a valve/piston or valve/valve interference.
During a head gasket job I, in my inexperience, allowed the timing chain to slip off the crank shaft. This required taking the front cover off and re installing the timing chain. Again, in my inexperience, I moved the cam shaft around while the timing chain was not installed. At this point I realize the error of my ways.