How to Align the Timing Chain of a Zotye 1.5T Engine?
4 Answers
Rotate the engine crankshaft to position the No. 1 cylinder piston at the top dead center. Align the timing marks on the camshaft gear with the timing marks on the chain and secure them. Ensure that the timing marks on the chain and the marks on the sprocket are in the same position. Finally, make sure that the three timing marks on the timing chain correspond with the two timing marks on the camshaft sprocket and the one timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket.
I just did the timing chain alignment on this engine myself, and honestly, the process was quite tedious. First, you have to remove the engine cover to expose the crankshaft pulley, then locate the crankshaft positioning hole at the bottom and lock it in place with a special pin to prevent rotation. Next, align the triangular marks on the camshaft pulleys with the notches on the cylinder head. At this point, you must ensure the chain tooth counts on both pulleys match correctly—otherwise, the whole installation would be pointless. Finally, use a special tool to adjust the chain tensioner to complete the job. The most dangerous part is that the camshaft can easily shift out of position. I had to double-check the alignment marks repeatedly before daring to touch the wrench. For such precise work, it's best to have two people cooperate. If the timing is off on a 1.5T engine, the valves could be ruined the moment it starts.
Last time at the repair shop, I noticed the mechanic's entire operation process was quite meticulous. The first step is to remove the air filter assembly to access the timing cover, and be careful not to lose those rubber gaskets when removing the cover. The most crucial part is using a special crankshaft positioning pin to lock the crankshaft pulley, then rotate the camshaft to align the markings on the VVT pulley parallel to the cylinder head surface. When installing the new chain, first align the yellow marked tooth with the crankshaft keyway, then fit the blue marked tooth into the camshaft positioning slot. Finally, before installing the hydraulic tensioner, the plunger must be locked with a check pin. Throughout the entire alignment process, the camshaft must not be released, otherwise if the VVT pulley rotates halfway, the entire alignment will be invalidated.
The timing system of Zotye 1.5T actually has its tricks. Operating when the engine is cooled down is crucial, as thermal expansion and contraction can affect alignment accuracy. First, remove the spark plugs to facilitate crankshaft rotation—there's a groove on the crankshaft pulley that needs to be positioned horizontally upward. The camshaft has an inspection hole at the rear; inserting a dedicated positioning pin will lock it in place. When installing the chain, ensure three color markers align: gold to the crankshaft keyway, blue to the exhaust camshaft, and colorless to the intake camshaft. The tensioner is properly set when you hear a click after removing the check valve. Don't forget to apply some engine oil on the chain guide for lubrication.
