Engine wont rotate full turn by hand

Tiny
JOSEPH TROUCHET
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 NISSAN MAXIMA
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
Okay, so a crank bearing went out in car I bought a replacement engine. I decided to change the water pump and check the timing chains and tensioners for wear while the engine was out of the vehicle. In order to replace the water pump the engine had to be set at top-dead-center, which I am certain I did, then remove the tensioner and rotate cc 20 degrees to release chain tension on the water pump for removal. Needless to say I think I jumped a tooth or two in doing so, put the new water pump in and so I could reset the timing, but now the engine will not make a full rotation by hand turning the crank, even with the main timing chain removed. Please help
Tuesday, June 28th, 2016 AT 3:03 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,582 POSTS
Hi Joe,

Yes do not turn the engine over without the chain in place because the pistons are hitting the valves, please install the chain back on in time, here is a diagram.

Let us know how it goes so it will help others.

Best, Ken
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2016 AT 3:30 PM
Tiny
JOSEPH TROUCHET
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It also would not make a full rotation with the chain in place. I do not see the color coded links in the chain either. Is there anyway that I could have bent something or locked it up?
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2016 AT 3:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,106 POSTS
If the engine won't turn with the main chain off, make sure the cams are in the correct position for timing. If they are out, as Ken said, it will hit. If you tried turning the engine only by hand and didn't force anything, I feel confident nothing is bent. I will tell you, there should be colored links on the chain which align with the marks on both the cams and crank. THEY MUST BE IN THE CORRECT position. If the colored links are on the timing marks, then timing is correct. However, I would always turn the engine by hand a minimum of 4 rotations to make sure nothing is hitting.
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Thursday, June 30th, 2016 AT 8:19 PM

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