Timing chain alignment problems with a suzuki

[rlharris]

Please someone help..... we are having problems aligning the timing chains on a 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitar.....we get the chains where they need to be, but saw on the computer that you need to line up the cams a certain way...when we get the cam dowl pins aligned then the chains are off . Does anyone know how to get them all to where they need to be?????

I am sure it is something simple but we just cant find the information we need to get us there.

[jdmccright]

This thread should really be in the Suzuki forum, but I imagine there aren't many users in there regularly.

First off welcome to AF!

I'm not familiar with your engine, but looking at the timing chain replacement procedure, you sure tackled a doozie of a job...I count 4 chains to line up!

The cams and crankshaft should have already been rotated to the correct marked positions before removing the chains. This is critical! If they are not in the correct position before the chains were removed then the old chain will have to be reinstalled in the original position and then rotate the engine to the correct position. However, sometimes the force of the compressed valve springs moves them slightly when the chain is not there to hold them.

Assuming the above was done correctly, first make sure the chain markings between the old and new ones (the bright plated links) are the same. Then you have to make sure the tensioner is fully retracted and held by a retaining pin while you install the chain and sprockets.

Align both cam bank's marks with the marks/knock pins on the engine block, align the crankshaft mark with the oil jet, and align the bright chain marks with the marks on the cam sprockets and crankshaft (silver for each cam, gold for crank) and install the #1 cam sprocket (psgr side). Then install the #2 sprocket to driver side bank chain, again aligning the bright chain links with the marks on each camshaft's sprocket.

Any movement or adjustment of the sprockets to get them aligned should be minimized to avoid engine valvetrain damage. Once the chains are installed, release the chain tensioner and rotate the engine crankshaft two revolutions and recheck the alignment marks.

This is the best I can do short of being there and lending a hand. But the keys are to have the engine in the correct starting position and checkig the chains to be identical. This here is truly learning via the school of hard knocks. Good luck to you and let us know how you make out!