Chains don't have a MTBF that I know of.

Gasket is a rubber insert thing, should be reuseable.

Just the tensioner is a 1.7 hour flat rate job, including R&r the cover to release it.

Chain is a 5.7 hour flat rate.

It is easier to replace the water pump at the same time you change the Balance shaft chain. There are 2 chains.

No special tools required, if you know how to lock the camshafts the old fashioned way. You can get away without locking them. You will need an unexpected torx socket to pull the "fixed Timing Chain Guide Access Plug"



If you want a pdf about the job sent me a PM; I'll see what I can do.

 

Do folks typically replace the water pump and BOTH chains? Or is it sufficient to just do the camshaft chain and deal with the balance chain (and water pump) later if/when it ever becomes a problem?

What is the "old fashioned" way?

I have a complete torx set from T10 to T60. Is this just a typical torx socket or some weird size?

Let me inspect the engine and go from there. I'll PM you after that if I'm diving into it.

Thanks
M Ridzon

 

Water pump can be done, with a special tool, at a later time. Some do, some don't, not much extra labor.



2 crescent wrenches and a vice grip.


Not a weird size, just unexpected.

 

My plug took a 10 mm Allen wrench

 

To do the timing chain, I know the cam sprockets need removed to make the repair and the cam bolts need replaced at that time. Does the crank bolt also need replaced or can it be reused?

M Ridzon

 

Should be, technically. However, none of them absolutely need it; if the don't have rust or visible damage AND they torque without binding. The last is the wild card.

So the answer is yes, unless you have a fully certified ASTM shop to test them.

 

The Cloyes kit came with cam bolts, and guide bolts, I had to get a new crank bolt,

 

I took the valve cover off today to inspect. See the attached short video of the chain slack. What do you think? I assume it should not have any slack whatsoever, correct?


I also peeked at the tensioner. Mine has the bump in the top. Pictures are attached. Is this the new style tensioner?


I peeked closely at the cam sprockets, chain, and the upper guide. They all looked to be in reasonable shape. I didn't see any excessive wear or broken/chipped pieces. Is it possible the tensioner may just need replaced? That is, is it possible it just froze and is no longer providing the needed tension? Or is replacing the tensioner without the chain and guides a bad idea?


Thanks,
M Ridzon

 

Should be no visual slack, That is a lot! That is the new tensioner, as far as I can tell all VVT engines have them. They are hydraulic, the get to a point where they can't reach far enough.

A new tensioner comes with many kits.

After seeing the chain, I think we are past the "talking yourself out of it" stage.

 

You have to ask yourself, "Do I feel lucky?"
Well do you?