Timing marks on the cam chain

[Hap Call]

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. However, on this motor, the shop manual says that they are to line up with a particular link on the chain. Has any one else see this where the colored link does not line up?

Thanks,
Hap

[akashmer]

read my write up on the head gasket for qr25DE
It explains this. your most like ly looking at the wrong timing mark

[Hap Call]

Originally Posted by akashmer

read my write up on the head gasket for qr25DE
It explains this. your most like ly looking at the wrong timing mark

If you are talking about the timing mark on the crank, I am on the correct one. I'm on the third mark, (the difficult one to see) about 10mm past the two easily seen timing marks. I looked at your write up and it is a good one but I'm still looking at a timing chain marked link that's two links off of where it should be. If the cams are in the correct position and the crank is in the correct position, what effect does having the chain mark off by two links have on the timing?

Thanks,
Hap

[phreekee25]

cams are in the correct position with the two left lobes facing outward? (or whatever the manual says.. can't remember exactly) if not, then rotate the crank pulley one full turn. don't forget, there are actually three colored links on the timing chain. be sure cam and crank are correct to know you are viewing the correct link. (sounds like you've already checked all this, but reiterating just in case.)

if you are looking at this area, there should be TWO colored links, not just one:

[phreekee25]

this is what i meant about the lobes:

[akashmer]

Hey how did you cut and past those I tried with the ESM and it wouldn't work for me...

Well anyway another photo source is in that write up, it explains a little better than the ESM where things should be. (and its in color) like PHREEKEE said you have to make sure your on the intake stroke. Sounds like your 180 out of phase. Are you are at TDC EXHAUST?

[phreekee25]

^I copied using the Snapshot button. You might have to turn it on if you don't see it in your toolbar.

[Hap Call]

Originally Posted by phreekee25

cams are in the correct position with the two left lobes facing outward? (or whatever the manual says.. can't remember exactly) if not, then rotate the crank pulley one full turn. don't forget, there are actually three colored links on the timing chain. be sure cam and crank are correct to know you are viewing the correct link. (sounds like you've already checked all this, but reiterating just in case.)

if you are looking at this area, there should be TWO colored links, not just one:

You nailed this one. I have an issue with some colors with my sight. What I thought was a yellow chain link was an orange one. I continued to turn the motor until I found the actual yellow links (my wife confirmed them as yellow) which did line up with the timing marks on the cam gears. When I checked valve lash clearance I had the crank at TDC for #1 and both the intake and exhaust valves were all closed because the lobes were at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions respectively.

It all came together well. I still don't understand the need for the colored timing chain links.

Hap

[phreekee25]

it was a pain in the butt trying to keep the chain from jumping one link off of either one cam sprocket or the other during installation. if the number of links in between sprockets is not correct, it will throw off the timing. so, it's either have colored links, or you would have to count the number of links between each mark. colored links is much easier.

[Hap Call]

Originally Posted by phreekee25

it was a pain in the butt trying to keep the chain from jumping one link off of either one cam sprocket or the other during installation. if the number of links in between sprockets is not correct, it will throw off the timing. so, it's either have colored links, or you would have to count the number of links between each mark. colored links is much easier.

That's a good point. I've always either counted links or insured that the cams and crank were in the correct position then pulled out slack using the tensioner to insure correct timing...the colored marks are definitely an improvement over that.

Hap