### Timing Chain, Sprockets and Front Cover

#### REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

##### 1.6L (GA16DE) Engine

Fig. 1: Alignment of the camshaft sprockets with the timing chain — 1.6L (GA16DE) engine

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Relieve the fuel pressure.
2. Drain the coolant from the radiator and cylinder block.
3. Remove the upper radiator hose from the engine.
4. Remove the engine drive belts.
5. Remove the power steering pulley and remove the pump with bracket.
6. Remove the air duct from the intake manifold collector.
7. Disconnect the vacuum hoses, wiring, and harness connectors.
8. Remove the right front wheel and remove the inner wheel covers.
9. Remove the engine undercovers.
10. Remove the front exhaust pipe.
11. Remove the cylinder head front mounting bracket.
12. Remove the cylinder head cover from the engine.
13. Remove the distributor.
14. Remove the water pump pulley from water pump.
15. Remove the complete thermostat housing assembly from the engine.
16. Remove the lower timing chain tensioner.
17. Remove the upper timing chain tensioner and slack side timing chain guide.
18. Loosen the idler sprocket bolt.
19. Remove the camshaft sprocket bolts and remove the sprockets from the camshafts. Be sure to mark the sprockets for proper reinstallation.
20. Remove the camshaft mounting caps by loosening the bolts in two or three steps. Remove the camshafts from the engine.
21. Remove the idler sprocket bolt.
22. Remove the cylinder head with the manifolds.
23. Remove the idler sprocket shaft from the rear side.
24. Remove the upper timing chain.
25. Support the engine assembly and remove the center crossmember.
26. Remove the oil pan and strainer assembly.
27. Remove the crankshaft pulley.
28. Remove the engine front mount.
29. Remove the engine front mount bracket.
30. Remove the bolts that secure the front timing cover and remove the cover from the engine.
31. Remove the idler sprocket and remove the lower timing chain.
32. Remove the oil pump drive spacer and remove the crankshaft sprocket.
33. Remove the timing chain guide.

    To install:

34. Confirm that No. 1 piston is set at TDC on compression stroke.
35. Install the crankshaft sprocket with the marks of the sprocket facing the front of the engine.
36. Install the oil pump drive spacer and install the chain guide.
37. Install the lower timing chain. Set the chain by aligning its mating mark with the one on the crankshaft sprocket. Make sure the sprocket's mating mark faces the front of the engine.

    NOTE: The number of links between the alignment marks are the same for the left and the right side.

38. Install the crankshaft sprocket and the lower timing chain. Set the timing chain by aligning its mating mark with the one on the crankshaft sprocket. Make sure sprocket's mating mark faces engine front. The number of links between the alignment marks are the same for the left and right side.
39. Using liquid gasket, install the front cover assembly.
40. Install engine front mounting bracket and install the engine mount.
41. Install the oil strainer, oil pan assembly, and the crankshaft pulley.
42. Install the center crossmember.
43. Set the idler sprocket by aligning the mating mark on the larger sprocket with the silver mating mark on the lower timing chain.
44. Install the upper timing chain and set it by aligning the mating mark on the smaller sprocket with the silver mating marks on the upper timing chain. Make sure sprocket marks face engine front.
45. Install the idler sprocket shaft from the rear side.
46. Install the cylinder head assembly.
47. Install the idler sprocket bolt. Be sure to lubricate the bolt with clean engine oil.
48. Install the exhaust and intake camshafts. The camshafts and marked I for intake and E for exhaust.
49. Position the intake camshaft knock pin at the 9 o'clock position and the exhaust camshaft knock pin at the 12 o'clock position.

    Fig. 2: Positioning of camshaft knock pins — 1.6L (GA16DE) engine

50. Install the camshaft bearing caps and distributor bracket. Apply liquid sealant to the distributor bracket.
51. Tighten the mounting bolts in sequence as follows:
    1. Tighten bolts 11–15, then bolts 1–10 to 18 inch lbs. (2.0 Nm)
    2. Tighten bolts 1–15 to 52 inch lbs. (5.9 Nm)
    3. Tighten bolts 1–14 to 81–104 inch lbs. (11 Nm)
    4. Tighten bolt 15 to 55–73 inch lbs. (11 Nm)
52. Install the camshaft sprockets with timing chain. Set the camshaft sprockets by aligning the mating marks of the timing chain with the marks on the camshaft sprockets.
53. Install the camshaft sprocket bolts and torque to 86 ft. lbs. (117 Nm). Be sure to lubricate the bolts with clean engine oil.
54. Install the upper timing chain tensioner. Before installation of the tensioner, install a suitable pin to hold the tensioner in the relaxed position. After installing the chain tensioner, remove the pin.
55. Install the lower timing chain tensioner. Be sure the notch of the gasket is positioned down.
56. Install the remaining components in the opposite order from which they were removed.
57. Connect the negative battery cable. Refill all fluid levels. Road test the vehicle for proper operation.

##### 2.0L (SR20DE) Engine

CAUTION
Fuel injection systems remain under pressure after the engine has been turned OFF. Properly relieve the fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel lines. Failure to do so may result in fire or personal injury.

1. Relieve the fuel system pressure and remove the negative battery cable.
2. Drain the coolant from the radiator and engine block. Remove the radiator.
3. Remove the right front wheel and engine side cover.
4. Remove the spark plugs.
5. Rotate the engine and position the No. 1 cylinder to TDC.
6. Remove the air duct to the intake manifold.
7. Remove the drive belts and the water pump pulley.

   Fig. 3: Timing chain tensioner — 2.0L (SR20DE) engines

   Fig. 4: Timing chain sprocket alignment marks — 2.0L (SR20DE) engines

8. Remove the alternator and the power steering pump from the engine.
9. Label and remove the vacuum hoses, fuel hoses, and the wire harness connectors.
10. Remove the cylinder head cover.
11. Remove the intake manifold supports.
12. Unbolt and remove the oil filter bracket and the power steering pump bracket.
13. Remove the timing chain tensioner.
14. Remove the distributor.
15. Remove the timing chain guide.
16. Holding the flats of the camshaft sprockets, remove the bolts that secure the sprockets.
17. Remove the timing chain sprockets from the camshafts.
18. Remove the oil tubes, baffle plate, camshaft brackets and remove the camshafts from the cylinder head.
19. Remove the starter motor.
20. Remove the coolant hoses from the engine block.
21. Remove the knock sensor harness connector.
22. Remove the EGR tube.
23. Remove the cylinder head assembly.
24. Raise and support the vehicle safely.
25. Remove the oil pan, oil strainer, and the baffle plate.
26. Remove the crankshaft pulley using a suitable puller.
27. Remove the engine front mount.
28. Remove the front cover and oil pump drive spacer.
29. Remove the timing chain guides and timing chain. Check the timing chain for excessive wear at the roller links. Replace the chain if necessary.

    To install:

30. Clean all gasket mating surfaces.
31. Install the crankshaft sprocket. Position the crankshaft so that No. 1 piston is set at TDC (keyway at 12 o'clock, mating mark at 4 o'clock) fit timing chain to crankshaft sprocket so the mating mark is in line with mating mark on crankshaft sprocket. The mating marks on timing chain for the camshaft sprockets should be silver. The mating mark on the timing chain for the crankshaft sprocket should be gold.
32. Install the timing chain to the crankshaft sprocket and install the timing chain guides. Tighten the timing chain guides to 9–14 ft. lbs. (13–19 Nm). Drape the timing chain over the left chain guide.
33. Install the oil pump drive spacer to the crankshaft.
34. Apply a continuous bead of liquid sealant to the front timing cover and install the cover. Torque the front cover mounting bolts to 57–66 inch lbs. (6.4–7.5 Nm).
35. Install right front engine mount.
36. Install the crankshaft pulley and tighten the mounting bolt to 105–112 ft. lbs. (142–152 Nm). Be sure the No. 1 piston is at TDC.
37. Install the oil strainer, baffle plate, and the oil pan assembly.
38. Install the cylinder head assembly. Be sure to apply a bead of sealant to the joint of the block and front timing cover.
39. Install the EGR tube.
40. Install the knock sensor harness connector.
41. Using new hose clamps, install the coolant hoses to the engine block.
42. Install the starter motor.
43. Install the camshafts, camshaft bearing caps, oil tubes, and the baffle plate.

    NOTE: When installing the camshafts, be sure to position the LH and RH camshaft keys at 12 o'clock. Also make sure the camshaft brackets are facing in the correct direction.

44. Install the camshaft sprockets by lining up the mating marks on the timing chain with the mating marks on the camshaft sprockets. Tighten the camshaft sprocket bolts to 101–116 ft. lbs. (137–157 Nm).
45. Install the timing chain guide and distributor.
46. Install the chain tensioner. Press the cam stopper down and the press-in sleeve until the hook can be engaged on the pin. When tensioner is bolted in position the hook will release automatically.

    NOTE: Ensure the arrow on the outside of the tensioner faces the front of the engine.

47. Install the remaining components in the reverse order of removal.
48. Connect the negative battery cable, Refill fluid levels, start the engine, and bleed the cooling system. Check for leaks and road test the vehicle for proper operation.

##### 2.4L (KA24DE) Engine

###### Altima

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Drain the coolant from the engine and radiator.
3. Drain the engine oil.
4. Remove the engine undercover.

   CAUTION
   Fuel injection systems remain under pressure after the engine has been turned OFF. Properly relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel lines. Failure to do so may result in fire or personal injury.

5. Remove the vacuum hoses, fuel hoses, wires, harness, and connectors.
6. Remove the alternator and bracket, the upper radiator hose, the air duct, and the front exhaust tube.
7. Remove the intake manifold collector supports, intake manifold collector, and the exhaust manifold.
8. Set the No. 1 piston at TDC on its compression stroke.
9. Remove the distributor.
10. Using a block of wood, set a transmission jack under the aluminum oil pan and remove the front engine mounting.

    Fig. 5: Lower portion of the upper timing chain with mating marks — Altima with 2.4L (KA24DE) engines

11. Remove the rocker cover. Remove the rocker cover bolts in the proper sequence.
12. Remove the camshaft sprockets.

    NOTE: The stoppers on camshaft covers prevent the upper timing chain from disengaging from the idle sprocket.

13. Remove the cam bearing caps in sequence and remove the camshafts. The camshaft brackets must be loosened in reverse order of tightening to prevent damage to the camshaft.

    NOTE: These parts must be reassembled in their original positions.

14. Loosen the cylinder head bolts in the reverse order of installation.

    NOTE: A warped or cracked cylinder head could result from loosening in incorrect order. The cylinder head bolts should be loosened in two or three steps.

15. Remove the cam sprocket cover.
16. Remove the upper chain tensioner and upper chain guides.
17. Remove the upper timing chain.
18. Remove the idler sprocket bolt.
19. Remove the cylinder head and the intake manifold. Remove the cylinder head gasket. The lower timing chain will not be disengaged from crankshaft sprocket.

    NOTE: The cast portion of the front cover is located on the lower side of the crankshaft sprocket, so the lower timing chain need not be disengaged from idler sprocket.

20. Remove the steel oil pan bolts in the reverse sequence of the tightening procedure.
21. Install a seal cutter between the steel oil pan and the aluminum oil pan
22. Tapping the cutter with a hammer, slide it around the entire edge of the oil pan. Take care not to damage the aluminum oil pan.
23. Remove the steel oil pan.
24. Remove the baffle plate, oil strainer, and the front tube.
25. Support the transaxle with a jack and the engine with a engine hoist. Remove the front suspension member.
26. Remove the A/C compressor gussets.
27. Remove the rear cover plate.
28. Remove the aluminum oil pan retaining bolts in sequence.
29. Insert a seal cutter between the oil pan and the cylinder block.
30. Tapping the cutter with a hammer, slide it around the entire edge of the oil pan. Take care not to damage the aluminum oil pan.
31. Lower the oil pan from the cylinder block and remove it from the engine.
32. Remove the crankshaft pulley.
33. Remove the front timing chain cover.
34. Remove the oil pump drive spacer.
35. Remove the lower timing chain tensioner, tensioner arm, and lower timing chain guide.
36. Remove the lower timing chain and idler sprocket.

    To install:

37. Install the crankshaft sprocket and oil pump drive spacer.
38. Install the idler sprocket and lower timing chain.
39. Set the lower timing chain on the sprockets, aligning the mating marks. The mating marks on the timing chain assembly will be silver.
40. Install the chain tension arm and chain guide.
41. Install the lower timing chain tensioner.
42. Apply a continuous bead of liquid gasket to the front cover and install the front cover. Install a new oil seal.
43. Install the crankshaft pulley and torque bolt to 105–112 ft. lbs. (142–152 Nm).
44. Carefully scrape the old gasket material away from the pan and cylinder block mounting surfaces and then apply a continuous bead (3.5–4.5 mm) of liquid gasket around the oil pan and the cylinder block.
45. Install the aluminum oil pan and tighten the mounting bolts in sequence, to 13 ft. lbs. (17.5 Nm).
46. Install the baffle plate, oil strainer, and the front tube.
47. Install the steel oil pan and torque in sequence to 61 inch lbs. (7 Nm).
48. Reinstall the rear cover plate.
49. Install the A/C compressor gussets.
50. Reinstall the front suspension member.
51. Install the front engine mounting.
52. Remove the engine hoist and transaxle support.
53. Install new cylinder head gasket.
54. Reinstall the cylinder head and temporarily tighten the cylinder head bolts when installing the front cover. This is necessary to avoid damaging the cylinder head gasket. Be sure to install washers between the bolts and cylinder head.
55. Install the upper timing chain, chain tensioner and chain guide.
56. Set the upper timing chain on idler sprockets, aligning the mating marks.
57. Install cam sprocket cover. Apply a continuous bead of liquid gasket to front cover. Be careful not to damage the cylinder head gasket. Be careful that the upper timing chain does not slip or jump when installing cam sprocket cover.
58. Tighten cylinder head bolts.
59. Install the camshafts and camshaft bearing caps.
60. Install the camshaft sprockets, then tighten the sprocket bolts to 123–130 ft. lbs. (167–176 Nm). Install the chain guide between both camshaft sprockets. The alignment marks on the upper portion of the timing chain should now be aligned.

    Fig. 6: Upper portion of the upper timing chain and mating marks — 240SX and Altima

61. The balance of installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.
62. Connect the negative battery cable.
63. Start the engine and make the necessary adjustments. Check for proper operation and leaks.

###### 240SX

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Relieve the fuel system pressure.
3. Drain the coolant from engine and radiator.
4. Drain the engine oil.
5. Remove the engine undercover.
6. Remove the air duct assembly.
7. Remove the fan shroud and the cooling fan.

   Fig. 7: Timing chain front cover — 240SX with 2.4L (KA24DE) engine

8. Remove the exhaust manifold cover.
9. Remove the front exhaust tube and if equipped, the A.I.V. pipe.

   CAUTION
   Fuel injection systems remain under pressure after the engine has been turned OFF. Properly relieve the fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel lines. Failure to do so may result in fire or personal injury.

10. Disconnect and tag all of the vacuum hoses, fuel lines, and electrical connections.
11. Remove all of the spark plugs.
12. Remove the distributor cap with the spark plug wires attached.
13. Remove the injector tube assembly with the injectors.
14. Remove the rocker cover bolts, in reverse order of installation.
15. Set the No. 1 piston at TDC (top dead center) on its compression stroke.
16. Remove the distributor. Be sure to note the positioning of the distributor rotor before removing the distributor.
17. Remove the camshaft sprockets. Be sure to hold the flats of the camshafts when removing the sprocket bolts.

    NOTE: The stoppers on the inside of the camshaft covers prevent the upper timing chain from disengaging from the idle sprocket.

18. Remove the camshaft bearing caps, in reverse order of installation, then remove both of the camshafts.

    NOTE: The camshaft bearing caps and camshafts should be kept in their original position for reassembly.

19. Loosen the cylinder head bolts in the reverse order of installation.

    NOTE: Head warpage or cracking could result from removing the head bolts in the incorrect order. The cylinder head bolts should be loosened in two or three steps.

20. Remove the camshaft sprocket cover.
21. Remove the upper chain tensioner and upper chain guides.

    NOTE: Compress the piston of the tensioner and insert a suitable pin into the pin hole.

22. Remove the upper timing chain.
23. Remove the idler sprocket bolt.
24. Remove the cylinder head with the intake manifold and exhaust manifold assembly.
25. Remove the cylinder head gasket.
26. Remove the oil pan bolts.
27. Install a seal cutter between the oil pan and the engine block.
28. Tapping the cutter with a hammer, slide it around the entire edge of the oil pan. Take care not to damage the oil pan.
29. Remove the oil pan assembly.
30. Remove the baffle plate, oil strainer, and the front tube.
31. Remove the engine drive belts.
32. Remove the A/C compressor idler pulley.
33. Remove the crankshaft pulley.
34. Remove the front timing chain cover.
35. Remove the oil pump drive spacer.
36. Remove the lower timing chain tensioner, tensioner arm, and the lower timing chain guide.

    NOTE: Compress the piston of the tensioner and insert a suitable pin into the pin hole.

37. Remove the lower timing chain and crankshaft sprocket.

    To install:

38. Check all components for wear. Replace as necessary. Clean all mating surfaces and replace the cylinder head gasket.
39. Install the crankshaft sprocket and the oil pump drive spacer.
40. Install the idler sprocket and the lower timing chain.

    NOTE: Make sure that the mating marks of the crankshaft sprocket are facing front of engine.

41. Set the lower timing chain on the sprockets, aligning the mating marks. The mating marks on the timing chain assembly will be silver.
42. Install the chain tension arm and the chain guide.
43. Install the lower timing chain tensioner.

    NOTE: After installation of the tensioner, remove the pin to release the piston.

44. Apply a continuous bead of liquid gasket to the front cover and install the front cover. Install a new oil seal.
45. Install the crankshaft pulley and torque the bolt to 105–112 ft. lbs. (142–152 Nm).
46. Carefully scrape the old gasket material away from the pan and cylinder block mounting surfaces and then apply a continuous bead (3.5–4.5 mm) of liquid gasket around the oil pan and the cylinder block.
47. Install the baffle plate, oil strainer, and the front tube.
48. Install the oil pan and tighten the mounting bolts, in sequence, to 57–66 inch lbs. (6.4–7.5 Nm).
49. Install the A/C compressor idler pulley.
50. Install a new cylinder head gasket and install the idler shaft.
51. Install the cylinder head and temporarily tighten the cylinder head bolts when installing the front cover. This is necessary to avoid damaging the cylinder head gasket. Be sure to install washers between the bolts and cylinder head.

    CAUTION
    Do not fully tighten any of the cylinder head bolts at this time. tighten the bolts finger-tight only.

52. Install the upper timing chain, chain tensioner, and the chain guide. Be sure to align the mark on the timing chain with the idler.

    NOTE: After installation of the tensioner, remove the pin to release the piston.

53. Apply a continuous bead of liquid sealant and install the camshaft sprocket cover. Tighten the mounting bolts to specifications.
54. Tighten the cylinder head bolts.
55. Install the camshafts and the camshaft bearing caps.
56. Install the camshaft sprockets and torque the sprocket bolts to 123–130 ft. lbs. (167–176 Nm). Install the chain guide between both of the camshaft sprockets. The alignment marks on the upper portion of the timing chain should now be aligned.
57. The remaining components are installed in the reverse order from which they were removed.
58. Check and adjust the valve clearance.
59. Connect the negative battery cable.
60. Start the engine and check for leaks. Bleed the cooling system.
61. Install the engine undercover.
62. Check the ignition timing; adjust the timing as necessary.

##### 3.0L (VE30DE) Engine

1. Release the fuel system pressure. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Rotate the crankshaft to position the No. 1 cylinder on TDC of its compression stroke.

   Fig. 8: Rear timing chain case loosening sequence — 3.0L (VE30DE and VQ30DE) engines

3. Raise and safely support the vehicle. Remove the undercovers from the vehicle.
4. Remove the front right wheel and engine side cover.
5. Drain the cooling system by removing the engine drain plugs and opening the radiator drain cock.
6. Remove the radiator.
7. Remove the air duct from the intake manifold.
8. Remove the blow-by pipe.
9. Remove the vacuum hoses, the fuel lines, electrical connectors.
10. From the right rear of the engine, remove the EGR valve-to-exhaust manifold tube.
11. Remove the intake manifold collector supports.
12. Remove the fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose.
13. Remove the throttle chamber water hoses.
14. Remove the canister purge hoses.
15. Remove the blow-by hoses.
16. Remove the intake manifold collector.
17. Remove the ignition coils and the spark plugs.
18. Remove the IAC unit and heater pipe. Remove the fuel injector rail assembly.
19. From the front of the intake manifold, remove the right VTC solenoid valve.
20. Remove the intake manifold.
21. Remove the drive belts, air conditioning compressor and alternator.
22. Remove the air conditioning compressor bracket and the alternator bracket.
23. Remove the idler pulley bracket and the dipstick tube.
24. Remove the left exhaust manifold. Remove the power steering pump and its bracket.
25. Remove the right exhaust manifold. Remove the rocker arm covers.
26. Working between the intake and exhaust camshafts, of each cylinder head, remove the upper timing chain guides.
27. Rotate the crankshaft to position the No. 1 cylinder on TDC of it's compression stroke.
28. Remove the crank angle sensor. Remove the timing chain tensioners from each upper timing chain.
29. Using a backup wrench to secure the intake camshaft, remove the intake camshaft sprocket-to-camshaft bolts, the VTC assemblies and the intake camshaft sprockets.
30. Remove the both cylinder heads. Remove the water pipe.
31. Remove the water pump pulley and the water pump.
32. Remove the oil pan, the crankshaft pulley, the oil strainer and the oil filter bracket.
33. Remove the front cover, the alternator adjusting bar and the upper timing chains.
34. Remove the lower timing chain guides, the idler sprockets and the lower timing chain.
35. Inspect the timing chains for cracks and/or excessive wear at the roller links; if necessary, replace the timing chain(s).

    To install:

36. Install the crankshaft sprocket on the crankshaft.
37. Make sure the No. 1 cylinder is at the TDC of it's compression stroke.
38. Install the right idler sprocket and timing chain guides.
39. Position the lower timing chain on the right idler sprocket by aligning the mating mark on the right idler sprocket with the silver mating mark on the lower timing chain.
40. Install the left idler sprocket with the lower timing chain; align the mating marks on the lower timing chain with the mating marks on the left idler sprocket and crankshaft sprocket. Install the chain guide and the chain tensioner.
41. Position the upper timing chains on the idler sprockets by aligning the mating marks on the idler sprockets with the gold mating marks on the upper timing chains.
42. Install the oil pump drive spacer, front cover and the alternator adjusting bar.
43. Install the oil filter bracket, the oil strainer, the crankshaft pulley and the oil pan.
44. Make sure the No. 1 cylinder is on the TDC of its compression stroke.
45. Install the water pump.
46. Install the water pump pulley. Install the water pipe and tighten bolts to 12–15 ft. lbs. (16–21 Nm).
47. Rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise, until the No. 1 piston is set at approximately 120°before TDC on the compression stroke, to prevent interference of the valves and pistons.
48. Install the cylinder heads.
49. Install the camshafts, the camshaft brackets and the rocker arms. Position the right side exhaust camshaft at about 10 o'clock position and the left side exhaust camshaft at about 12 o'clock position.
50. Install the right side VTC assembly and the right camshaft sprocket. Align the mating marks on the right upper timing chain with the mating marks on the right VTC assembly and the right camshaft sprocket.

    NOTE: There are 2 types of chain tensioners; be careful not to install the left chain tensioner onto the right cylinder head or right tensioner in left head.

51. Install the right timing chain tensioner. Before installing the chain tensioner, press-in the sleeve until the hook can be engaged on the pin; make sure the hook used to retain the chain tensioner is released for proper timing chain tension.

    WARNING
    The timing chain tensioner hooks must be released after installation for proper timing chain tension and operation.

52. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to set the No. 1 piston at the TDC of its compression stroke.
53. Install the left side VTC assembly and the left camshaft sprocket. Align the mating marks on the left upper timing chain with the mating marks on the left VTC assembly and the left camshaft sprocket.
54. Install the left timing chain tensioner. Before installing the chain tensioner, press-in the sleeve until the hook can be engaged on the pin; make sure the hook used to retain the chain tensioner is released for proper timing chain tension.

    WARNING
    The timing chain tensioner hooks must be released after installation for proper timing chain tension and operation.

55. Install the remaining components in the opposite order from which they were removed.
56. Install the upper front covers. Install the upper chain guides on both cylinder heads. Install the rocker arm covers.
57. Install the engine undercovers and connect the negative battery cable.
58. Refill the cooling system and engine oil to proper specified levels.
59. Run engine and recheck fluid levels.

##### 3.0L (VQ30DE) Engine

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Drain the engine oil and the cooling system. Be sure to drain the engine block and the radiator.
3. Relieve the fuel system pressure.
4. Remove the left side rocker cover ornament.

   NOTE: Before disconnecting any hoses or connectors, note the locations for reassembly.

5. Remove the air duct to intake manifold hose, collector hose, blow-by hose, and vacuum hoses.

   Fig. 9: Crankshaft sprocket with mating marks — 3.0L (VQ30DE) engine

   Fig. 10: Removing the intake camshaft sprocket bolts — 3.0L (VQ30DE) engine

   Fig. 11: Lower timing chain alignment marks — 3.0L (VQ30DE) engine

   CAUTION
   Fuel injection systems remain under pressure after the engine has been turned OFF. Properly relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel lines. Failure to do so may result in fire or personal injury.

6. Remove the fuel hoses and disconnect the harness connections.
7. Disconnect the canister purge hoses.
8. Remove the water hoses from the cylinder head and intake manifold.
9. Disconnect and remove all six ignition coils from the spark plugs.
10. Remove the spark plugs.
11. Remove the bolts that secure the EGR tube and remove the tube.
12. Remove the intake manifold collector supports and remove the collector.
13. Remove the bolts that secure the fuel tube and remove the fuel tube from the vehicle.
14. Remove the bolts that secure the intake manifold to the engine block and remove the manifold. Loosen the bolts in the reverse sequence of the tightening procedure.

    Fig. 12: Rear timing chain case torque sequence — 3.0L (VE30DE and VQ30DE) engines

    Fig. 13: Application of liquid gasket to the front timing case — 3.0L (VE30DE and VQ30DE) engines

    Fig. 14: Front timing case bolt torque sequence — 3.0L (VE30DE and VQ30DE) engines

15. Remove the LH and RH rocker covers from the cylinder head.
16. Remove the engine undercovers.
17. Remove the right front wheel and the engine side covers.
18. Remove the drive belts and the idler pulley.
19. Remove the power steering oil pump belt and remove the power steering oil pump assembly.
20. Remove the camshaft position sensor (PHASE) and crankshaft position sensors (REF)/(POS).
21. Set the No. 1 piston to TDC of compression stroke by rotating the crankshaft.
22. Remove the ring gear cover access plate.
23. Loosen the crankshaft pulley bolt while securing the ring gear so the crankshaft cannot rotate.

    NOTE: Use care not to damage the ring gear teeth.

24. Using a suitable puller, remove the crankshaft pulley.
25. Remove the A/C compressor and bracket.
26. Remove the front exhaust pipe and its support.
27. Hang the engine at the right and left side engine slingers with a suitable hoist.
28. Support the transaxle with jack.
29. Remove the right side engine mounting, mounting bracket, and nuts.
30. Remove the center crossmember assembly.
31. Remove the steel (lower) oil pan bolts in the reverse sequence of the torque sequence.
32. Insert a seal cutter between the steel and aluminum oil pan.
33. Tapping the cutter with a hammer, slide it around the entire edge of the oil pan. Be careful not to damage the aluminum mating surface of the upper oil pan.
34. Remove the steel oil pan and the oil strainer.
35. Remove the aluminum (upper) oil pan bolts in the reverse sequence of the torque sequence.
36. Remove the transaxle bolts that secure the oil pan.
37. Insert a seal cutter between the aluminum oil pan and the engine block.
38. Tapping the cutter with a hammer, slide it around the entire edge of the oil pan. Be careful not to damage the mating surfaces of the oil pan or engine block.
39. Remove the oil pan from the vehicle.
40. Remove the water pump cover and remove the bolts that secure the front timing chain case.
41. Using the seal cutter, remove the timing chain case cover.
42. Remove the internal timing chain guide and the upper chain guide.
43. Remove the timing chain tensioner and slack side chain guide.
44. Remove the left and right intake camshaft sprockets first. Be sure to hold the flats of the camshafts while removing the sprocket bolts.
45. Remove the lower timing chain assembly. Be sure to note the aligning marks of the chain before removal.
46. Insert a suitable stopper pin for the left and right camshaft tensioners.
47. Remove the left and right exhaust camshaft sprocket bolts. Be sure to hold the flats of the camshafts while removing the sprocket bolts.
48. Remove the upper timing chain assembly. Be sure to note the aligning marks of the chain before removal.
49. Remove the lower timing chain guide.
50. Remove the crankshaft sprocket.
51. Remove all traces of liquid gasket from the front timing chain case and from the water pump.
52. Inspect the timing chain for excessive wear or damage and replace as necessary.

    To install:

53. Install the crankshaft sprocket with the mating mark facing out.
54. Position the crankshaft to TDC of compression stroke and align the dowels of the camshaft sprockets to the 12 o'clock position in respect to the cylinder head.
55. Install the lower timing chain guide. The front mark on the guide should face upwards.
56. On a work bench, align the marks on the intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets with the marks of the chain.
57. Put the exhaust camshaft sprockets onto the dowel pin and tighten the mounting bolts to 88–95 ft. lbs. (119–128 Nm). Be sure to secure the camshafts while tightening the bolts.
58. Install the timing chains and sprockets to the intake camshafts. Be sure to align the timing chain and sprocket mating marks.
59. Remove the left and right camshaft tensioner stopper pins.
60. Align the mating mark on the crankshaft with the matchmark (gold link) on the lower timing chain.
61. Attach the lower timing chain to the water pump sprocket.
62. Working counterclockwise, install the lower timing chain camshaft sprockets. Be sure to align the sprocket marks with the blue links of the timing chain during installation.
63. Install the intake sprocket bolts and tighten to 88–95 ft. lbs. (119–128 Nm). Be sure to secure the camshafts while tightening the bolts.
64. Install the internal timing chain guide, upper timing chain guide, lower timing chain tensioner and slack side timing chain guide.
65. Tighten the tensioner mounting bolt to 75–96 inch lbs. (8.4–10.8 Nm) and tighten the guide bolts to 108–168 inch lbs. (13–19 Nm).
66. Apply a 0.102–0.142 inch (2.6–3.6mm) continuous bead of liquid gasket to all necessary areas as shown on the front timing cover.
67. Install the timing cover evenly and gently. Be sure to align the dowel pin holes.
68. Tighten the mounting bolts in sequence as follows:
    1. Bolts No. 1 and 2 — Tighten to 19–23 ft. lbs. (26–31 Nm)
    2. Bolts No. 3–20 — Tighten to 105–121 inch lbs. (11.8–13.7 Nm)

       NOTE: Leave the bolts unattended for 30 minutes or more after tightening. This will allow the liquid gasket to cure sufficiently.

69. Apply a 0.091–0.130 inch (2.3–3.3mm) continuous bead of liquid gasket to the water pump cover and install the cover. Tighten the bolts to 84–108 inch lbs. (10–13 Nm).
70. The balance of installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.
71. Connect the negative battery cable.
72. Start the engine and run at 3000 RPM under no load to purge the air from the high pressure chamber. The engine may produce a rattling noise. This indicates that air still remains in the chamber and is not a matter of concern.