G problems installing new chain

KEDGENZ

MEMBER
1986 NISSAN VAN
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
280,000 MILES

Hi guys,

I am a little confused here so maybe somebody can help me out.

I got a copy of the Nissan service manual for my z24 1986 Nissan Nomad or Vanette.

Replacing head gasket and a new timing chain and tension-er and gears but having problem with installation.

My new timing chain has no marks or gold links on it to align the gears with the chain. So how do I do it but my chain has a link in it can I use this?

The other thing is there has been a new head put on not to long ago before I got the van. It is shiny compared to the block.

The front of the engine I am assuming is cylinder one.

I have set TDC on the crankshaft with a screw driver and key-way on the crank is sitting at the top. My head is set so that it has just finished the exhaust and ready to push on the inlet thinking this is my TDC on the head. Problem is that my manual says that the alignment pin on the cam shaft should be at the top and in the case it is at the bottom if I turn the cam so it is at the top then it is on its compression stroke.

Any help out there?

Thanks.
Kevin

4 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

The color of the link does not matter just make sure it is on number one piston at compression/TDC and align the markings on the cam and crank sprocket as indicated below.

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Sunday, May 8th, 2011 AT 8:27 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

The links are not colored and only plated which makes it difficult to spot. S light held over the chain should help. The most important thing to ensure is that the cam and crank sprockets have forty four links in between them.