I am putting my engine back together for a timing chain replacement.

Which to install first, the head, or the T chain cover?
It looks like it would be safer for the head gasket to do the chain and cover first, but it seems like aligning the chain would be easier after the head is on. Or would it be?

Which do you install first and why?

 

you can do it either way. its easier to put the head on first. cause that way you dont have to keep the chain tought, to prevent it from falling and coming off a tooth.

if you are carefull enuff, you wont damage the head gasket. and if you do, just put a little rtv on there and it will be fine. the only pressure that is in that area is weak pcv pressure, and wont leak.

 

and if you are really worried, i gues you could insert a very thin peice of shhet metal under the gasket and slip on the cover, then pull out the metal.
i have never done this, but it sounds like good insurance.

 

The factory manual says to install the chain cover first. If the oil pan is off, just shine a flashlight onto the chain sprocket to see if it is on correctly after you put the sprocket on the head to make sure everything is lined up. It will be easier to install the chain cover and the gaskets with head off, which will probably give you a better seal. Use some RTV as stated above.

 

Definitely timing chain cover first.

Zipty the chain together right below the top gear and it should rest right on top of the 2 rails on it's own without slipping.

Doing the tc first is the only way to guarantee a good seal on the oil pan gasketr and the front of the head gasket.

 

I put my head on 1st but only tightened the bolts hand tight in case it didn't work out. Then I installed the chain set and the cover then torqued the head down. It worked fine. No leaks almost 15K and one year later.

 

Thanks, I think I am going to try to do the chain cover first, I am glad I took the head off becasue the valves really needed cleaning. Hopefully all this will cut down on oil loss. I had a lot of little leaks.

 

Timing chain cover first then head. If you do the head first you run the risk of munching your new head gasket with the timing chain cover.

Rob

 

Chain cover first, for all the reasons stated above.

And you need to make sure the top of the timing cover sits flush with the block so the HG will seal well in that area and not leak.