Timing Chain Question

[cbb2k]

Hello Everyone,

I have a 89 Nissan 240SX, with the KA24E engine.I'm in the process of changing the timing chain and gears.

Everything has been going smoothly, but I forgotto do one thing. I didn't mark the relation betweenthe Crank & Cam timing gears.

My one other blunder, is that I took the chain off before loosening the cam gear. When I tried, the valves moved and then poped back into place.

I put the chain back on and removed the cam gear,but now I have no clue of the alignment of thecrank or cam gears.

My question is, how can I be sure that the Engine isat TDC and in line with the Cam? What stepsshould I take to make sure the timing is ontime when I re-assemble my engine?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

[drjohn]

Remove all the spark plugs. look in the cylinders and make sure the pistons are all even in the bores,same position. This gives you space to turn the cam with out bending valves on the piston tops. Now turn the cam so that both lobes on the #1 cyl. are pointing down and the valves are closed. The dowel pin in the cam should be up. Then slowly turn the crank by hand clockwise until #1cyl. piston is to the top and the key way in the crank should be up. BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN TURNING THE CRANK NOT TO FORCE IT!!! This may bend valves !!!! Then put your gears and chain on and check the marks.

[JNM240]

You could also loosen the rocker arm shaft bolts all the way to release tension on the rocker arms, closing all the valves, then rotate the cam until the dowel faces up. Keeps the pistons from hitting the valves.

[cbb2k]

I hope I didn't make a mistake, but heres what I ended updoing.

I removed spark-plug #1 and use a light to see the piston.I removed the timing chain for the Crank & Cam gears couldturn seperate. I rotated the crank until Piston #1 was in the middle of the dead-spot after it stops moving. Then, I matchedthe first silver mark on the new timing chain on the crankgear, then I rotated the cam gear until the dot lined upwith the other silver link. I have rotated the assembly withthe timing chain on, and I feel no resistance. Does this soundok, or am I going to have to pull the timing cover back offagain?

Thanks, Chris