Can I check if my timing chain is correctly matched by rolling the camshaft pulley?

Tiny
SAINTHOMMES
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 NISSAN MAXIMA
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 400,000 MILES
By rolling the pulley I mean, does rolling the pulley and having no obstacles or the crankshaft stopping mean my timing is correct and won't have the valves hitting the pistons. Thanks
Tuesday, February 7th, 2023 AT 11:47 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,217 POSTS
Hi,

That is usually a good indication there is no interference, but you should really rely on timing marks on the engine. If you had them aligned and there is no interference, it should be correct.

I attached two pics below for the primary and secondary timing chains. Take a look at them and let me know if the colored chain links were in the position shown.

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 AT 1:54 PM
Tiny
SAINTHOMMES
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Thank you so much for the wonderful response, I really appreciate it. I have the markings on the timing chains aligned with the dots and points both on the cogs and gears, what we notice is, the engine appears tough to roll, it does roll, but it's tough hard to roll and we have had to change the kick twice cos they keep getting burnt. What could be the cause of the toughness? Do you think the positioning of the pistons, connecting rod and caps could be wrong? Cos if that's the issue, we can still being the engine down and reset from scratch. What is your valuable suggestion?

Thanks.

Saint
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Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 AT 11:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

When you indicate the Kick was replaced twice, what are you referring to? Also, are the spark plugs removed from the engine? How difficult is it to turn? If you had all of the timing indicators correct, it should be fine.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, February 9th, 2023 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
SAINTHOMMES
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When I said Kick, sorry, I mean the Kick starter, we have had to change it twice now because they keep getting burnt, I guess the engine is too tough for the kick starter to roll fast. Maybe because we just worked on the engine and its carry load. But what could be the reason the engine is hard to roll? We tried to roll the engine by the crankshaft pulley. It rolled but hard and tough, maybe that is why the kick starters keep getting burnt? Please wait for your response. Thanks

Saint.
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Friday, February 10th, 2023 AT 12:32 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Were the spark plugs removed when you tried turning it by hand? It would be much harder to turn if they weren't. Also, could you record it cranking and upload it for me to hear? Something doesn't sound right, and I may be able to recognize a problem by hearing it.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, February 10th, 2023 AT 8:42 PM

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