General Motors — Timing Chain & Sprockets Removal
Repair & overhaul · timing chain and sprockets
From a General Motors service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.
Before you start
- On 4.3L with balance shaft, the timing gear sprocket marks align at TDC of cylinder No. 4.
Procedure
- Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove fan shroud. Remove fan and accessory drive belt. Drain cooling system.
- Remove crankshaft balancer bolt. Remove crankshaft pulley bolts and crankshaft pulley. Using Damper Puller/Installer (J-39046), remove crankshaft balancer.
- Remove all mounting brackets and coolant hoses attached to water pump. Remove water pump.
- On models equipped with CKP sensor, disconnect CKP sensor harness connector. Remove CKP sensor mounting bolt and CKP sensor.
- Loosen or remove oil pan as necessary for removal of front cover. Remove front cover bolts, front cover and gasket.
- On models equipped with CKP sensor, remove CKP sensor reluctor ring.
- Rotate crankshaft until timing marks on camshaft and crankshaft sprockets are aligned. Remove camshaft sprocket and timing chain. To remove crankshaft sprocket, use Sprocket Puller (J-5825-A).
Tools required
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Source: General Motors service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.