Hello
I am replacing my timing chain on the VQ, I took everything apart very carefully, purchased a Cloyes replacement kit, and a bunch of other stuff. I am in the process of reassembly and ran into this oddity (at least to this novice). When I disassembled everything I made sure that all the timing marks lined up, crank and cam sprocket(s) markings against the engine case on both sides. I did this to make the reassembly easy or so I thought. As I am putting everything back together today I start with the left Cam phaser sprocket and secondary sprocket which is still dead on their alignment marks. I get them on with a new chain using the oval markings...No problem. I move onto the other side (right) to noticed that the right cam and secondary sprocket have moved about 45 degrees out of position...WT*? I put the Sprockets and chain on just to make sure. I realize it isn't right. Question: Can one bank move on its own with just perhaps lifter spring tension? Maybe when I took off the main timing chain tying both sides together it rotated 45 counter clockwise??? If this is the case can I simply get an opened end wrench on one of the cams and rotate them clockwise back into position before putting the main chain back on? Could any damage have occurred, nothing was done with the car since I disassembled it. Any help is much appreciated.
Thank you

 

I've been through this. You need to familiarize yourself with the timing section in the FSM. There are multiple alignment markings on the chains, sprockets and phasers that all need to align with the stars or you'll trash the motor on first start. Being an interference motor, it is critical that you avoid valve strikes with pistons during the timing procedure. Damage to valves may occur. I think you're ok though, and would remedy just as you described, by reversing the exact amount of movement that occurred on the cam which moved. I take it you have the rocker covers off, but I think it would be easier to throw a half drive ratchet and a 17mm socket or whatever it is into the phaser bolt head and turn that way. Secure the cam/s from jumping. Get the FSM.

 

Thank you for the reply. I will take a look at the FSM. I just found it very weird that the right side seemed to move out of alignment (see illistration). Just before I broke it down I turned the engine on purpose so that everything was aligned. Although I haven't looked at the FSM, I watched a number of videos prior to the TC breakdown as well as the video recommended by the Cloyes replacement kit. So I was aware of the colored links, circles and ovals, as well as engine case markings. I thought it would be easy sailing on reassembly until I got to that right side and noticed the shift.
Question: If I get all the marks and colored links to align and tightened up, is there ANY way that things could go wrong on start up. As I understand it the crank moves one time for every half turn of the the phaser and exhaust sprockets. If both sides have the markings up @ 2 oclock on the left and @ 10 oclock on the right than I am at TDC in the intake cycle I believe

. I think what I am trying to ask not so eloquently is if all mark and links are in place am I good to go.
Thanks again

 

If all timing marks correspond to the locations in the FSM then your engine is timed correctly.

 

Thank you very much for the help...

 

Keep us posted. All the info you need is in the FSM. You'll be fine.