Link to diy timing chain replacement?
 

Just wondering if anyone has a link to a diy timing replacement or setting timing. Not that I need the work done but I wanted to know how it's done just in case for future reference. I looked on the sticky's and didn't find anything, I looked on YouTube and couldn't find anything. I'm just trying to learn different aspects of this motor.

Honda made engines usually do not need routine timing chain replacement. AFAIK.

The chain is driven by a small sprocket on the crankshaft, and connects to the idler gear which drives both camshafts.

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxNj..._id=880000500F

The TCT (timing chain tensioner) puts pressure on the guide to keep the chain straight.

When you remove the timing chain cover, loosen the TCT, there is enough room on the chain to remove the upper sprocket.
The lower sprocket also drives the oilpump via a small chain. I'm not sure you have to remove this one in order to remove the timing chain. I do think so

When mounting, timing the sprockets is pretty easy, there are some diy's on this forum

best to pick up a shop manual if you want to tackle something like that, lots of little details that are part of the project including the timing mark alignment. I have not seen a DIY on this.

The book calls for cylinder head removal and timing cover removal.

It can be done by oil pan removal and timing cover removal instead. Save major time.

Can I remove the timing chain without removing the oil pump chain?

Yes you can without removing the oil pump chain and get rid of that TCT and buy Billman's. You're lucky it hasn't caused any significant damage yet.

I did but unfortunately not before the chain was permanently stretched.

Can you recommend a timing chain kit and when I remove the camshafts will I need to redo the timing on the car?

I found this one but not sure if its good or not. I typically put OEM parts on the car

https://www.ebay.com/i/283007266020?chn=ps

I know nothing about this particular part but on any moving part inside the engine I would only go OEM. I have seen too many examples of improperly hardened metals that deteriorate over time.

Roger, any how to on how to set the timing after cam shaft removal?

So here's a list of things I am replacing:

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...d3e9aee0bb.jpg

Am I missing anything? I already have Bill's TCT.

Bushing is #10?

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...6be1dc6d6e.png

Updated parts list
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...18b8e29abe.png

I think I'm going to hire someone to do the install. I'm still uneasy about setting the timing on the car and I'd rather pay someone $800 to do the install than **** the timing and then have the tow the car to someone to fix the timing.

might as well replace them while your in there.

I'm beginning to worry I've got a similar situation going on, I installed a Ballade TCT last oil change and it sounds like my valvetrain is getting noisier. I had no issues at all with the install though, the TCT slid in without any resistance and went in flush. Backed the screw holding it together out as described in install too.

Do you have a video or example of what your car sounded like?

Thanks... is it at a particular RPM? I notice increased valvetrain noise while driving, especially in areas where the sound can be echoed back, it isn't a whine though. At first I thought it was an exhaust leak but replacing the main donut gasket didn't really change it.

The sound gets louder as RPMs increases.

Timing on this car is super easy to set.

If you can do the timing chain, setting the timing is a cake walk.

Line up the mark on the crank when cyl 1 is on TDC. Then line up the idler gear marks to be parallel with the head. Then the camshalfs to be at 11/2 with the marks pointed at each other. Done. Takes all of 5 minutes.

The first shop I took the car to just backed out of replacing it. They quoted me at $790 for the work but then realized its going to take much longer than they anticipated. Anyone want to come to Florida and help me do this? I will pay you.

What's their new quote? The service manual procedure looks like an all day job with special tools so paying for the job done right would be my choice despite the expense.

Anyone know if it is possible to put a new chain in there from the top by connecting the new chain to the old and turning the engine until the new one comes around? Fraught with cautions regarding chain tension during the procedure so nothing slips but then you just have to pull the chain cover like you're considering now. Or maybe I dreamed this? :) Worth investigating. And a Billman TCT.

-- Chuck

How the F*** do I take the crank pulley off???? My 650lb impact wrench is not breaking it loose.

Oh man! Sorry, to hear you need to replace your timing chain. I always thought a Honda engine didn't need this, until the bitter end of its life. I remember changing timing chains, on my old BMW 2002Ti and 1602. There was a trick to tying the chain to the timing gears. Popping a link, then feeding a Mercedes 2-liter chain into the open link old BMW chain. Free up the wires holding the pulleys, then rotate the crank around the engine. Being sure not to skip a cog. Then, putting a master link onto the chain. Still had to pull the radiator and front cover to access the chain, guides, and tensioner. Had to use a Mercedes timing chain, as the BMW ones did not have a master link. 2-liter ones (I forget the specific model) were same length.

Guess you need to pull all the air cleaner accessories to gain good access to the chain cover. Maybe a good idea to lift the front end of the car, so the job won't be so back breaking. Just a thought.

Good luck!

It's infamous for needing crazy amounts of torque to get loose :)
Try using a heat gun to get the bolt and pulley nice and hot, then use lots of freezing spray or compressed air upside down right on the bolt.
This will significantly decrease the torque needed to break it loose, 650lb might not be enough though.

With the method I described above I got my pulley loose with a ~3ft 1/2" breaker bar just pulling with arm strength :)

Luckily Autozone had a HCPH that I could rent and was able to get it off.

What kind of silicone should I use to create the timing cover gasket?

How do I remove the three bolts connecting the a/c compressor to the oil pan? Should I remove the two bolts attaching it to the oil pan mount?

I've had the Ballade TCT for about 2-3 years now and have no issues with it. Replaced my TCT like 3-4 times over 60k miles before I got the Ballade TCT.

Is it typical that it stretched your chain?

Perhaps not "typical" but the Ballade TCT has caused excessive chain tension in some cars based on postings here.

-- Chuck

Chain stretch or whining noise can be a result of improper installation of the Ballade TCT or any TCT. I use a Ballade TCT in my S/C S2000 and will use a Toda TCT in my NA S2000.

To 912S2K, LHT Performance is near you(150 miles away) if you run into trouble. Did you contact Ballade about the TCT? They would probably do a replacement. Did you oil the O rings and turn the crack pulley until minimal force was required to push the TCT in?

I'm going to guess you still recommend the 1,000 mile break-in for a new chain(OEM or TODA) with a OEM TCT and then switch over to a aftermarket one?

A PM from you in May: " Using ANY bolt-retraction style tensioner with a new chain will over tighten it. It will put the equivalent of 100k on the chain in 2000 miles. I also recommend putting 1000 miles on the new chain using an OEM tensioner, before installing mine." Maybe this is because I'm not installing a new guide setup?

There is a dovel pin low down on each side, if you pry one side to much this might stop you from getting the other side free.
You don't need to remove anything on the water pump.
Here is a picture on my removed cover for help
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...b7974c1cee.jpg

I might get LHT to finish the job if I cannot get it to work. The companies I called didn't want to do it. I did contact Ballade but the chain had already stretched by then and I lost confidence in their product. When I installed the BTCT I oiled the TCT o-rings and was able to get it to sit flush. I drove for less than 20 miles before I noticed a loud almost roots type supercharger whine coming from the engine. By the time I was able to get the car home and pull the BTCT and install Bill's the damage had already been done. Even with proper retraction there is too much length in the chain and there is some very noticeable chain slap noise. I even went as far to redo all of the valve lash to ensure I wasn't hearing things. Fortunately the chain didn't jump a tooth and grenade the engine.

Installing Toda timing, oil pump chains and Ballade timing chain gear are on my to do list for both of my S2000's(I already have the parts), along with WPC treating the gears/sprocket.

Ok good. I almost s*** myself thinking I had to go buy an OEM TCT.

I have not removed your TCT yet. Will I need to reinsert the 5mm bolt to remove your TCT from the engine?

Hmm so I'll need to wiggle it out on each side equally.

Nothing like a fun game of hide and seek...

Are you WPC treating the whole gear set? I'm considering doing that to mine to help extend the life of them. Do you know what the average turnaround time is?

I'm going to WPC treat the whole gear set. Pricing for each gear/sprocket is about $30 each. Turn around time is about 2-4 business days(M-F). I don't think WPC uses USPS priority mail for return shipments If you want to save on shipping costs, I would ask if they do, if not supply your own return shipping label with the parts you send in.

So for anyone who's planning on doing this in the future, here is the service manual for starting the removal. I have not had to remove the head though.

https://workshop-manuals.com/honda/s...chain_removal/

Personally I would avoid anything ballade...the return process took three months.

I had to hire a mechanic to finish the job. I tore my left shoulder cutting trees this weekend.

Is there a break in period for the chain?

Update: Car was driving great but I got rear ended this weekend and think I fragged my transmission. I hear a very loud whine coming from the transmission now in any gear :/