TIMING CHAIN MARKS QUESTION?

Tiny
DIVIDES
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 123,000 MILES
I watched several videos on how to go about it. I just want to change the gasket but I have to remove the chain to do that anyways, if I see a chain stretch I may change it. I saw the tool which is not expensive to lock the cams and crank. My question is, I have not seen one video that mentions what to do if say the timing was off by one tooth, also does a stretched chain always mean the timing is off? I have no timing codes and it runs well. If it is off and the cams are locked how do I go about turning the camshaft so the slots on the back of engine are flat.
Friday, January 2nd, 2026 AT 9:05 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, you need to be careful while messing with the timing chain, so at 123k I would change the chain, tensioner and guides out. So this is a 1.4 liter turbo engine. So there is no camshaft marks and there are three special tools to help line up the crankshaft to the camshafts. Two of them hold the camshafts and one holds the crankshaft in position for the new chain installation. There should be flat spots on the camshaft to help adjust them slighting to help with the tool installation, do not turn the camshaft over fully with the crankshaft tool installed, you will damage the valves. Here are the tools and how to install them. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 AT 9:44 AM
Tiny
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Ya I saw videos on how to do it and the tool set isn't expensive. My only question is, after I install the 3 tools, and if I need to adjust the camshaft say a tooth if its off, how would I do that while everything is locked in position
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 AT 9:55 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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So the camshaft tools can not be installed unless the cams are lined up, the tool will not fit into place if the timing is off a tooth.
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 AT 9:59 AM
Tiny
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Hmm, you talking about the front tool am guessing, so what do I do after I lock the crank? If it is a bit off and after I remove the chain, can I turn it a tiny bit using a long wrench around the camshaft? I believe there is a place for it, this way the tool fits right
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 AT 10:01 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Correct, but it is the rear tool that dictates the camshaft alignment. Lock the crankshaft and then use the wrench on the camshafts to help rotate them slightly so the rear tool fits.
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2026 AT 10:09 AM
Tiny
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Attached
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Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 AT 6:11 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, you found it, that will make the noise you are having when the engine is running! Was the engine worked on before and they left it that way or was it like this from the factory? Thanks for the video it helps.
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Thursday, January 8th, 2026 AT 8:51 AM
Tiny
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Looks ok
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Thursday, January 8th, 2026 AT 11:05 AM
Tiny
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IS IT OK IF I INSTLL THE CRANKSHAFT LOCKING PIN AND THEN USE THE IMPACT TO REMOVE THE BOLT? CAUSE WHENEVER I USE THE IMPACT THE PULLEY MOVES
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Thursday, January 8th, 2026 AT 5:01 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Do you have two posts for the same car/problem? I just saw this image a few posts ago?
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Friday, January 9th, 2026 AT 9:25 AM

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