Post by
SolaraOnBronze »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/solaraonbronze-u107872.html
Fri Jun 11, 2010 8:54 am
I've got a question for you Hijacker- decided to just bump the thread in case others run into the same issue someday.
So, I think I made a mistake when my friend and I put my engine back together. Basically, I tore it down to the block to install the head gasket, head studs, new timing chain components, etc. With everything for the most part back together this evening, I went to install the timing chain tensioner and the chain still has a lot of slack to it. I tried turning the crank pulley counter clockwise to get it to engage like the FSM suggests, but it still did not gain any tension. When I removed the tensioner, it had extended- meaning that it was exerting force on the timing chain guide as it should.
My question is this- should the timing chain guides be able to pivot freely? For example, should I be able to poke my finger down in the head and move the timing chain guides back and forth? Right now, I cannot move the guide at all, even with a decent amount of force from my finger. I am thinking that when I installed the guides, I tightened them too much and now the tensioner cannot move the guide to allow it to pivot and remove the slack from the chain.
I am bummed, but glad I caught it now before the engine is back in. Curious to know your thoughts. The torque spec for the guides is only 12-15 ft lbs I believe, so I am guessing that I over tightened them somewhere along the line. I don't remember if I torqued those specifically or not since this was back in February- I should have torqued everything though. Just want to know if this is a plausible hypothesis or not- the guide bolts have a shoulder on them that SHOULD prevent them from being overtightened I would think, but maybe not.
Thanks in advance- this is a great thread!
Damon