Engine Mechanical System
Timing Chain Repair Procedures
In this manual: Engine Mechanical System
43steps
~258min
4/5difficulty
Done 0 of 43
Removal
- Set the No. 1 cylinder to TDC/compression.
- Turn the crankshaft pulley clockwise and align its groove with the "T" alignment mark on the lower timing chain cover.
- Make sure the camshaft sprocket mark is in a straight line with the cylinder head surface, as shown in the illustration. If not, turn the crankshaft clockwise one revolution (360°).
Do not turn the engine counterclockwise.
- Turn the crankshaft pulley clockwise and align its groove with the "T" alignment mark on the lower timing chain cover.
- Remove the timing chain cover. (Refer to Valve Timing - Timing Chain Cover)
Be careful not to damage the contact surfaces of the cylinder block, cylinder head and timing chain cover.
Before removing the timing chain, mark the right/left timing chain according to the sprocket position, because the TDC identification mark on the chain may be worn off.
- Remove the oil pump chain cover (A).
- Remove the oil pump chain tensioner assembly (A).
- Release the ratchet by pulling the link down with a thin rod. Compress the piston and insert the stopper pin into the hole in the ratchet to hold the compressed piston.
- Remove the RH timing chain cam guide (A).
- Remove the automatic tensioner of the right timing chain (A) and the right timing chain tensioner arm (B).
- Remove the right timing chain guide (A).
- Remove the right timing chain (A).
- Remove the crankshaft sprocket (A) (RH camshaft drive).
- Remove the oil pump chain sprocket (A) and the oil pump chain (B).
- Remove the crankshaft sprocket (A) (oil pump drive).
- Release the ratchet by pulling the link down with a thin rod. Compress the piston and insert the stopper pin into the hole in the ratchet to hold the compressed piston.
- Remove the left timing chain cam guide (A).
- Remove the automatic tensioner of the left timing chain (A) and the left timing chain tensioner arm (B).
- Remove the left timing chain guide (A).
- Remove the left timing chain (A).
- Remove the crankshaft sprocket (A) (LH camshaft drive).
- Remove the tensioner adapter assembly (A).
Inspection
Sprockets, Chain Tensioner, Chain Guide, Chain Tensioner Arm- Inspect the camshaft sprocket and crankshaft sprocket for abnormal wear, cracks, or damage. Replace as necessary.
- Inspect the tensioner arm and chain guide for excessive wear, cracks, or damage. Replace as necessary.
- Make sure the tensioner piston moves smoothly when the ratchet pawl is released with a thin rod.
Installation
- Place a jack against the edge of the upper oil pan to support the engine.
Insert the rubber block between the jack and the upper oil pan.
- The crankshaft key (A) must be aligned with the timing mark (B) on the cylinder block. This positions the No. 1 cylinder piston at top dead center of the compression stroke.
- Install the tensioner adapter assembly (A).
- Install the crankshaft sprocket (A). (Left camshaft drive)
- Install the left timing chain (A).
To install the timing chain without slack between each shaft (camshaft, crankshaft), follow this procedure: Crankshaft sprocket → Timing chain guide → Exhaust camshaft sprocket → Intake camshaft sprocket. The timing mark on each sprocket must align with the timing mark (colored link) of the timing chain during installation.
- Install the left timing chain guide (A).
Tightening torque: 19.6 - 24 N·m
- Install the left timing chain automatic tensioner (A) and left timing chain tensioner arm (B). Tightening Torque: A: 9.8 ~ 11.8 N·m N·m; B: 18.6 ~ 22 N·m N·m
- Install the LH timing chain cam guide (A).
Tightening torque: 9.8 ~ 11.8 N·m
- Remove the pins from the left timing chain automatic tensioner.
- Install the crankshaft sprocket (A) (oil pump drive).
- Install the oil pump chain sprocket (A) and the oil pump chain (B).
Tightening torque: 18.6 ~ 22 N·m
- Install the right timing chain (A).
To install the timing chain without slack between each shaft (camshaft, crankshaft), perform the following procedure. Crankshaft sprocket → Timing chain guide → Intake camshaft sprocket → Exhaust camshaft sprocket. The timing mark on each sprocket must align with the timing mark (colored link) of the timing chain when installing the timing chain.
- Install the right timing chain guide (A).
Tightening torque: A: 19.6 ~ 24 N·m
- Install the right automatic timing chain tensioner (A) and the right timing chain tensioner arm (B). Tightening torque: A: 9.8 ~ 11.8 N·m B: 18.6 ~ 22 N·m
- Install the right timing chain cam guide (A) onto the cam guide.
Tightening torque: 9.8 ~ 11.8 N·m
- Pull out the pins of the right timing chain automatic tensioner.
- Install the oil pump chain tensioner assembly (A).
Tightening torque: 9.8 ~ 11.8 N·m
- Install the oil pump chain cover (A).
Tightening torque: 9.8 ~ 11.8 N·m
- Rotate the crankshaft 2 revolutions in the normal direction (clockwise when viewed from the front), then check the alignment mark.
Always turn the crankshaft clockwise. Turning the crankshaft counterclockwise before building up oil pressure in the hydraulic timing chain tensioner may cause the chain to jump off the sprocket teeth.
- Install the timing chain cover. (Refer to Timing System - "Timing Chain Cover")
- Install the remaining parts in the reverse order of removal.

- Fill the engine oil.
- Clean the battery terminal posts and cable clamps with sandpaper. Assemble, then apply grease to prevent corrosion.
- Inspect for fuel leaks.
- After assembling the fuel line, turn the ignition ON (do not crank the engine) so the fuel pump operates for approximately two seconds to pressurize the fuel line.
- Repeat this operation two or three times, then check all fuel lines for leaks.
- Fill the radiator and the coolant reservoir with engine coolant.
- Bleed air from the cooling system.
- Start the engine and let it run until it warms up (until the radiator fan has cycled 3 or 4 times).
- Stop the engine and let it cool down. Check the radiator coolant level and add coolant if necessary. This allows trapped air to be purged from the cooling system.
- Tightly close the radiator cap, then restart the engine and check for leaks.
Test yourself
A quick Kia Cadenza VG Owner's Manual quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.
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