Shortcut to set Timing

[jjup_99]

I have a 89 Nissan 240sx, with a blown head gasket. When I replaced the gasket I think the timing chain shifted . Chilton only shows the procedures for R&R of the timing chain. Wondering if their was any way to set the timing with out pulling the front cover. R&R of timing chain books 9.1 hours. Hoping theirs a quicker way.

[CiPHeR_Tx]

the cam gear should have a timing mark on it...set the cam position by the mark. the #1 piston should be at TDC...if not...an easy trick is to take out the spark plug and then either look in the chamber our stick something in there that will hit the piston when it hits TDC...then have a buddy turn the crank at the pulley until you can tell that the piston is at TDC...just need the right size socket and wrench. then all you need to do is put the chain on the gear

[jjup_99]

Pull the cam sprocket and distributor. Set the No. 1 cylinder to top dead center. How do Know the cam is set on the fisrt cylinder, or its on compression stroke. The book claim their a Matchmark on the timing chain and sprocket.

[CiPHeR_Tx]

as long as the #1 cylender is at TDC...as long as the chain didn't come off at the crank the cam and chain marks should line up. TDC is TDC...doesn't matter...the cam position is what makes it compression or exhaust stroke

[jjup_99]

I had to pull the cam sprocket off the chain in order to pull the Cylinder head. But I made a line across the sprocket and chain with white out, it went back in the same position. How do I know the cam is in the right position. I can't find the match mark on the chain. It sound like two cylinder it want to start, but cylinder are missing and white smoke was emitting from the oil fill hole

[CiPHeR_Tx]

there should be a mark somwhere on the head for the cam sprocket to line up with....if not...it should say in the manual

[jjup_99]

I think I left the timing right when I replace the head gasket. If it’s not the timing what else could it be if I have spark and fuel. I don't want to guess because this is an interference engine, and if I’m wrong the valves will strike the pistons.

[candela]

There is a matching/alignment mark on the upper/idler sprocket and the crankshaft sprocket and a matching mark on the chain itself for each one. On the chain its a silver link with a mark in it... by inspecting all the link you will easily find the marks.

Set #1 at TDC first then as long as the marks on teh chain match with the upper sprocket and crank sprocket then your timing is set and you wont have to worry about interference :p Good luck,

[candela]

Oh and also I just noticed in your original post you said it jsut slipped from the upper correct? Well if thats the case then all you have to do is MAKE SURE that the upper alignment mark on teh timing chain lines up with the sprocket mark and you are set. If it barely slipped then it should be really easy to find the mark. You can either turn teh uppr sprocket (valve train) to match the crank, or turn the crank to match teh valve train....

[marshun]

you have a repair manual right? read it. the marks on the cam gears are there. there isnt much else too it. just gotta look at the repair manual and look at what needs to be adjusted and what not.

it is a long and tedious job but thats how timing belts/chains are.

[jjup_99]

The fuel pump was bad. Thats why it would not start still the timming seams to be off. no marks on the chain or sprocket anywhere