Top timing chain, mating marks

[420sxse]

Okay, so on my KA24DE, the top chain has three mating marks (yellow links). I can't get all three lined up with the punchmarks on the cam gears and the idler sprocket at the same time. I didn't remove the lower chain (but I removed the head). I was sure that the lower chain didn't move on the sprocket, I left the tensioner extended to take up the slack. The punchmark on the idler sprocket that corresponds to the upper chain is approximately at the bottom, and the punchmark for the lower chain is about 45 degrees clockwise from the 12 o'clock position (I turned the crank a few times and never did see a marked link on the lower chain). I used a little gauge I made from a dowel and a ruler to make sure the piston is at true TDCDoes it matter how the lower chain is lined up, so long as #1 is at top dead center, and the two punchmarks on the cam gears are lined up with the yelow links? Am I wrong that the deal here is just to make sure the cams are in the right spot for the end of the compression cycle?Thanks,TravisD
Modified by 420sxse at 3:30 PM 1/25/2006

[Drftwell]

im having this same problem.... help anyone??? ::Bump::

[180fan]

Yes, it does matter how the bottom is lined up. You should make sure the engine is at TDC and you can rotate the cams around till they are in proper position. Matching up with the links is critical.