Chain Alignment is off

[Pirate_Freder]

EDIT: forgot to ask: does the alignment of the punch marks look right for TDC #1 compression stroke?

Hey guys, so I am replacing all of my tensioners, guides, chains, and seals. Problem is, once I got the covers and oil pan off I noticed that the mating links on the chains are way off...every single one. I figure I could just mark the links that are aligned with the punch marks and transfer those marks to my new chains or see if they even line up with the mating links.

Sound good? Or what would you guys do? Here's the pics, I circled the mating links and punch marks(except the crank gear punch was not visible). The two links in the first pic with "?" are lighter in color but not as light as the other so iunno about them being mating marks for sure.

Thanks guys,Fred






Modified by Pirate_Freder at 7:09 PM 3/4/2009

[mexicanracer03]

I don't see why you would have to mark the new chain if you are changeing the new chain.

If you dont move the cams I wouldn't worry about the markings not beeing lined up.

[Pirate_Freder]

Well I forgot to mention that I am also wondering if they are lined up wrong. It is set a TDC #1 compression stroke. Do the locations of the punches look right?

[mexicanracer03]

Well you could do the test.

Take out sparkplug #1 and put a long screwdriver or an extension. Then with the crank bolt on spin the motor and see if it is on TDC ( you might have to put the cover on aswell ). That's what I would do just to be safe.

[NISSAN240SX12]

the markings are not always going to line up when you set the engine at TDC. just the way it is. but from looking at the pics it looks right. mark the cams just incase they move out of place. i would not worry about the markings just continue with your install. goodluck

[Pirate_Freder]

If I recall correctly the FSM says that they should be lined up though...

[NISSAN240SX12]

as many times as i've done it. sometimes everything lines up and others it doesn't. you can keep turning the crank until it lines up. but you'll be doin that for a while till it lines up completely.

[Pirate_Freder]

oh lol, yeah I wasn't sure how they had it worked in terms of it would always be lined up at tdc compression stroke on #1. Well I'll just mark and compare/finish it on my next day off.

Thanks guys,Fred