Buick Regal: Camshaft Timing Chain and Tensioner Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Remove the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement.

2.

Remove the upper timing chain guide bolts (2, 3).

3. Remove the upper timing chain guide (1).

4.

Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt (1) - Remove [2x].

5. Timing Chain Tensioner (2) - Remove.

6. Timing Chain Tensioner Gasket (3) - Remove and DISCARD.

7.

Remove the timing chain tensioner pivot arm bolt (1).

8. Remove the timing chain tensioner pivot arm (2).

9.

Remove the timing chain guide bolts (1).

10. Remove the timing chain guide (2).

11.

Remove the timing chain (1).

12.

Remove the timing chain oil nozzle (1).

13. For camshaft timing chain, sprocket, and tensioner cleaning and inspection. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Cleaning and Inspection.

Installation Procedure

1.

NOTE: Ensure the timing chain oil nozzle is rotated with the notch facing upward, and aligned with the tab on the engine block.

Install the timing chain oil nozzle (1).

2.

NOTE: There are three colored links on the timing chain. The two links that align to the timing marks on the actuators are the same color. The timing link that aligns with the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket is a unique color. Use the following procedure to line up the links with the actuators. Orient the chain so that the colored links are visible.

Loop the timing chain over the intake and exhaust camshaft actuators, aligning one of the same colored links (2) with the timing mark on the exhaust camshaft actuator (3).

NOTE: The same colored link corresponding to the intake actuator will not initially align with the intake actuator timing mark, nor the unique colored timing chain link align with the crankshaft sprocket timing mark.

3. Ensure the crankshaft key in the 12 O'clock position. Loop the timing chain onto the crankshaft sprocket.

4.

NOTE: Timing will be established before the final install and torque of the guide bolts.

Install the timing chain guide (2) and upper bolt (1) only, finger tight.

5. Install the timing chain tensioner pivot arm (3).

6. Install the pivot arm bolt (1) finger tight.

7.

With a suitable tool, rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise to align the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket (1) with the timing link (2).

NOTE:

• Continue to rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise as necessary to maintain timing alignment.
• Ensure that the alignment mark on the exhaust camshaft actuator remains aligned with the timing link.

8. Rotate the lower end of the fixed timing chain guide into installation position and install the lower bolt (3).

9. Tighten the timing chain guide upper and lower bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

10.

NOTE:

• The timing for the exhaust camshaft actuator and the crankshaft sprocket has been established.
• Applying or loosening pressure by hand between the timing chain guides will allow the chain to slip or bind during counterclockwise rotation of the camshaft.

Using a suitable tool, rotate the intake camshaft counterclockwise until the timing mark on the intake actuator (2) is aligned with the timing link (1). Maintain tension on intake camshaft until the timing chain tensioner can be installed and activated.

11.

NOTE: Use a NEW gasket.

Timing Chain Tensioner Gasket (3) - Install.

12. Timing Chain Tensioner (2) - Install.

13. Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt (1) - Install and tighten [2x]25 N.m (18 lb ft).

14.

Verify the timing links on the timing chain are properly aligned to the timing marks:

1. The timing links (1, 2) are aligned to the appropriate timing marks on the camshaft actuators (6, 3).
2. The unique colored link (5) is aligned to the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket (4).

15. If they are not, repeat the portion of the procedure necessary to align the timing marks.

16.

Install the timing chain guide (1) and bolts (2, 3) finger tight.

Fig. 4: Front Camshaft Cap Bolts Tightening Sequence

17.

Tighten the front camshaft cap bolts in sequence to 10 N.m (7 lb ft) twice.

18. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to see if either of the actuators or the crankshaft sprocket jump timing chain teeth. If this occurs, repeat procedure to align the timing marks.

19.

NOTE: Due to the difference of crankshaft sprocket and balance shaft sprocket, timing marks on the chain will not match during every crankshaft revolution.

Ensure that the marks on the sprockets are aligned appropriately before installing the timing chain.

Rotate the crankshaft slightly in clockwise direction to allow chain to settle on actuator and sprocket teeth. If the timing chain jumps actuator teeth, repeat procedure to align the timing marks.

20. Verify the timing links on both the timing chain & balance chain are properly aligned to the timing marks:

1. The timing link (1) is aligned to the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket (2).
2. The adjacent timing links (4) are aligned with both timing marks (3) on the balancer shaft driven sprocket.

21.

NOTE: Because of slight clockwise rotation all chain marks may be advanced slightly in relation to the actuator and sprocket marks, yet still align.

The timing chain links (1, 2) are aligned to the appropriate timing marks on the camshaft actuators (6, 3).

22. Install the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement.

BALANCER SHAFT WITH OIL PUMP REPLACEMENT

Removal Procedure

1. Oil Pan Replacement - Remove.

2. Timing Chain Crankshaft Sprocket Replacement - Remove.

3.

Balancer Shaft with Oil Pump Bolt (1) - Remove [8x].

4. Balancer Shaft with Oil Pump (2) - Remove.

NOTE: If replacing the oil pump, remove it from the balancer shaft.

5. Remove the oil pump.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the oil pump.

2.

Balancer Shaft with Oil Pump (2) - Install.

3. Balancer Shaft with Oil Pump Bolt (1) - Loosely install [8x].

Fig. 5: Engine Balancer Shaft And Oil Pump Bolts Tightening Sequence

4.

Balancer Shaft with Oil Pump Bolt - Tighten in sequence [8x]

Tighten

1. First pass 58 N.m (43 lb ft)
2. Final pass 58 N.m (43 lb ft)

5. Timing Chain Crankshaft Sprocket Replacement - Install.

6. Oil Pan Replacement - Install.

CAMSHAFT COVER REPLACEMENT

Removal Procedure

1. Ignition Coil Replacement - Remove.

2. Vacuum Pump Replacement - Remove.

3. Positive Crankcase Ventilation Tube @ Air Cleaner Outlet Duct - Disconnect.

4. Turbocharger Heat Shield Replacement - Remove.

5.

NOTE: The PCV hose and fitting assembly (2) is a permanent connection. Reinstall these components as an assembly unless new components are being used.

NOTE: Always ensure the PCV hose fitting O-Ring (3) seal is free of cuts or abrasions each time the fitting is attached to the turbocharger.

Positive Crankcase Ventilation Hose Fitting Bolt (1) - Remove.

6. Positive Crankcase Ventilation Hose Fitting (2) - Disconnect.

7. Turbocharger Coolant Return Pipe Replacement - Remove.

8. Oil Level Indicator - Remove.

9. Engine Coolant Air Bleed Pipe Replacement (2.0L LTG) - Remove.

10. Camshaft Position Actuator Intake Solenoid Valve Replacement - Remove.

11. Camshaft Position Actuator Exhaust Solenoid Valve Replacement - Remove.

12. Camshaft Cover Heat Shield Replacement - Remove.

13.

NOTE: Note the location of the four long camshaft cover bolts (2) for proper installation.

Camshaft Cover Bolt (1, 2) - Remove.

14. Camshaft Cover (3) - Remove.

15.

Camshaft Cover Gasket (1) - Remove and DISCARD.

16. If reinstalling the camshaft cover (2), clean and inspect as needed. Refer to Camshaft Cover and Compressor Air Intake Turbocharger Cleaning and Inspection.

Installation Procedure

1.

NOTE: Install a NEW gasket.

NOTE: Add 14mm bead of sealant at right and left T-Joint where front cover meets head and at rear of camshaft cover right and left T-Joint where vacuum pump bolts on.

Camshaft Cover Gasket (1) - Install.

2.

Camshaft Cover (3) - Install.

NOTE: Ensure the long camshaft cover bolts (2) are installed in the correct positions.

3. Camshaft Cover Bolt (1, 2) - Loosely install.

Fig. 6: Camshaft Cover Bolts Tightening Sequence

4.

Tighten the camshaft cover bolts in sequence to 10 N.m (89 lb in).

5. Camshaft Cover Heat Shield Replacement - Install.

6.

NOTE: Always ensure the PCV hose fitting O-Ring seal (3) is free of cuts or abrasions each time the fitting is attached to the turbocharger.

Inspect the O-ring and replace if necessary. (3)

7. Positive Crankcase Ventilation Hose Fitting (2) - Connect.

8. Positive Crankcase Ventilation Hose Fitting Bolt (1) - Install and tighten8 N.m (71 lb in).

9. Camshaft Position Actuator Exhaust Solenoid Valve Replacement - Install.

10. Camshaft Position Actuator Intake Solenoid Valve Replacement - Install.

11. Install the engine oil level indicator.

12. Turbocharger Heat Shield Replacement - Install.

13. Turbocharger Coolant Return Pipe Replacement - Install.

14. Engine Coolant Air Bleed Pipe Replacement (2.0L LTG) - Install.

15. Positive Crankcase Ventilation Tube @ Air Cleaner Outlet Duct - Connect.

16. Vacuum Pump Replacement - Install.

17. Ignition Coil Replacement - Install.

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