Timing Chain Tool

[PMCS Rally]

I think I need to replace my head gasket and am looking for a tool to hold the timing chain for stock L18. Any recommendation of the tool? Or does anyone have a dimensional info of the tool and I can make one from hard foam material??

[bertvorgon]

A quick search on the Net.......

Make sure you use a SOLID rope or wire so you can really pull on the tool to extract.

By the same token, don't drive the wedge in with a sledge hammer......

If using wood, use a hard wood, as you don't want pieces sloughing off and falling down the front cover.

[PMCS Rally]

Thank you for the info.

[datzenmike]

That's for an L20B which is 3/4" taller than your L18 so be prepared to trim the top to get it in under the cam sprocket. I don't think this style needs to be pounded in like a wedge. This one has to go all the way to the crankshaft sprocket and blocks the tensioner from pushing out. For a wedge style I use a soft wood so it jams in and holds.

The flat side is to the left and the curved to the passenger side.

The home made wedge from Nissan instructions is a 6.5" long block of wood tapering from 1.75 to 1.25". These definitely need to be hammered in between the chain and the guides and relies on friction to hold it wedged in place. Just recently used one the owner made from these instructions. I sanded it down on the sidewalk to make it more pointy and it dropped down in better. Worked perfectly. Yes a hole with a rope to help pull it out would have helped but even so had to use a large screwdriver to pry it loose.

[510rob]

don't pound any wedge in there too hard BECAUSE what you are jamming in against are the two chain guides, which - if memory serves me - are themselves held in place by a pair of little 6mm fasteners. Wedge > 6mm bolts.

You need just enough jamb-force to hold the chain in place, but not so much that you move the chain guides, or heaven forbid, shear off the bolts!

[PMCS Rally]

Good info. Thank you. How thick does it need to be?

[RONSLYCHUK]

I made mine out of 3/4” plywood.

[PMCS Rally]

Thanks.

[abisel]

you can make one from the dimensions given earlier, or you can buy one from Zcar Depot:

https://zcardepot.com/products/timing-c ... gL-RvD_BwE

[datzenmike]

Should 3d print them.....

[PMCS Rally]

I just finished making one......