[aaronstevens]

what is the method to putting on the small timing chain? i understand the markings and counting the links and i know the procedure for that . but i can't actually get the chain on the sprockets, as if its too small. counted the links and it matches the old chain. help please

[Scrawny]

Is there a tensioner that needs reseting? I haven't done one but I'd assume there would be

[aaronstevens]

theres a tensioner but you install the chain and then install the tensioner afterwards.

[aaronstevens]

any ideas anyone? do i have to split the chain?

[Scrawny]

How did the old one come off? I would've thought you'd have to split it, every chain I've done has been this way

[aaronstevens]

Ahh yes , the old one came off when it snapped haha. The lower one didn't need to be split . Thinking splitting is the only option .

[watermouse]

Do you have the FSM handy?
I am just reading that section about removing the tensioner and chain by rocking the intake cam counter-clockwise to get some slack. Installation is reverse of this procedure. If you cant get enough slack in the chain I would be looking for other issues before splitting the chain.

Same number of links?
Have you replaced the sprockets as well? Are they the same number of teeth.?

Can you remove a sprocket, seat the chain then reinstall the sprocket with the marks lined up?

sorry I don't have a silver bullet solution. Hope the above helps.

[aaronstevens]

Okay thanks for your input watermouse

[aaronstevens]

Sprockets are the same , and I also tried seating the chain and installing but no luck

[VitNick]

Chains will not split. No joining/ master links on a j20. On mine I just put the chain on then after put the tensioner on. Worst case take a cam gear off put the chain over it then re install and fit the gear. From memory the fsm says to remove both cam gears to install the chain. Cam gears are marked differently from side to side and on the reverse of it, the arrow points to one tooth off. depends on brand of sprocket tho. Mark them with what ever before removing to avoid confusion.

Also to get the links and marks to line up you may need to turn the cam ever so slightly, like 1-2mm, there are flats on the cam it for this. Sprokets have a key way on the cams so easy to line them back up.

Hope this helps

[VitNick]

Thread here is pretty good, helped me work out that lower chain looks symmetrical, but is 1 tooth different between marked links PITA. http://www.suzuki-forums.com/1g-1999-20 ... ers-7.html

[watermouse]

VitNick wrote:

Chains will not split. No joining/ master links on a j20. On mine I just put the chain on then after put the tensioner on. Worst case take a cam gear off put the chain over it then re install and fit the gear. From memory the fsm says to remove both cam gears to install the chain. Cam gears are marked differently from side to side and on the reverse of it, the arrow points to one tooth off. depends on brand of sprocket tho. Mark them with what ever before removing to avoid confusion.

Re reading the FSM it looks like you may have to remove the cam sprockets put them inside the chain with the alignment marks and links and put them back on.

[aaronstevens]

Thanks watermoose , just got it all together . Putting all my serpentine belt pulleys back on and some fluids , and I'm ready to give her a go !

[aaronstevens]

Got her going running better than ever ! Thanks for the help mate

[aaronstevens]

So after taking it for a little drive , this has happened to me, any idea why the camshaft bolt has been forced out

[aaronstevens]

And any ideas where I can buy new rocker cover and timing chain cover ?

[watermouse]

Awwww shiiiiiiit. That is not a good outcome.

Did you torque it up to spec and use the tightenting procedure?

Look out for kaput j20 motors for replacement covers, SV420 Vits, SQ420 GVs, early SX-4.
You may be able to get them welded if they are only cracked, not bent.

[VitNick]

Bolt came out due to incorrect torque. Cam spins opposite way to thread, if bolt is even slightly loose it will work it's way back out and bang. Check for valve/ head/ piston damage, chances are you've bent valves