Can you please tell me how to set the camshaft timing

Tiny
RCA195203
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 GMC SONOMA
  • 4.3L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 248,000 MILES
I have a case where I had the timing set on the #1 TDC but found out that I had put the balance shaft gear on backwards. So I took off the camshaft gear and chain to get to it. But for whatever reason I had to reset my timing I now don't have a way of turning over my lifters to set it back on time. The bottom crank gear sprocket is still on and I have it at the 12 position. Just wondering if I can set the compression stroke by using the balloon method. Thank you, Jerry
Monday, August 19th, 2019 AT 8:30 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

I am going to provide directions for replacing the timing chain. It will include the directions for setting the timing. All attached pics will correlate with the directions.

_________________________________________________

1998 GMC Truck S15/T15 Sonoma P/U 4WD V6-4.3L VIN X
Timing Chain and Sprockets Replacement
Vehicle Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Engine Timing Components Timing Chain Service and Repair Procedures Timing Chain and Sprockets Replacement
TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL PROCEDURE

Tools Required
- J 23523-F Balancer Remover and Installer
- J 5825-A Crankshaft Gear Remover

IMPORTANT: Once the composite engine front cover is removed, DO NOT reinstall the engine front cover. Always install a NEW engine front cover.

Pic 1

1. Remove the engine front cover.
2. Remove the crankshaft position sensor reluctor ring.

Pic 2

NOTICE: In order to rotate the crankshaft, in the end of the crankshaft install a short bolt with the same threads or use the crankshaft balancer bolt with sufficient spacers to keep from damaging the threads of the bolt.

3. Check the timing chain free play.
4. Rotate the crankshaft until:
4.1. The timing marks on both sprockets line up.
4.2. The number four cylinder is at top dead center (TDC) of the compression stroke.

Pic 3

5. Remove the camshaft sprocket bolts.

Pic 4

6. Remove the camshaft sprocket.
7. Remove the camshaft timing chain.

Pic 5

8. Use the J 5825-A in order to remove the crankshaft sprocket.
9. If necessary, remove the crankshaft balancer key.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

Tools Required
- J 23523-F Balancer Remover and Installer
- J5590 Installer

pic 6

1. Install the crankshaft balancer key into the keyway in the crankshaft (if removed).
The crankshaft balancer key should be parallel to the crankshaft or with the front of the key slightly lower.
2. Align the keyway of the crankshaft sprocket with the crankshaft balancer key.
3. Use the J 5590 and a hammer in order to install the crankshaft sprocket.

Pic 7

IMPORTANT: Be sure to align the camshaft and the crankshaft sprocket alignment marks.

4. Align the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets timing marks.
5. Look to ensure that the crankshaft sprocket is aligned at the 12 o'clock position and the camshaft sprocket is aligned at the 6 o'clock position.

Pic 8

6. Install the camshaft sprocket and the camshaft timing chain.

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Pic 9

7. Install the camshaft sprocket bolts.
Tighten the camshaft sprocket bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. Lbs.).

8. Install the crankshaft position sensor reluctor ring.
9. Install the engine front cover.

_____________________________________________

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, August 19th, 2019 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
RCA195203
  • MEMBER
  • 69 POSTS
Joe, why is the instructions saying to make sure that the number 4 piston is on TDC, why not the number 1 piston?
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Tuesday, August 20th, 2019 AT 9:51 AM

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