How to align the timing of Chery Riich G5?
3 Answers
There is a hex bolt on the right side of the oil filter. Remove it and insert a thicker screwdriver to slowly rotate the crankshaft to find the fixing hole. The fixing hole is on the crankshaft. Search slowly and feel for it. There are several holes on the crankshaft, with the fixing hole being deeper while the others are balance holes. Once found, the crankshaft should not rotate left or right. The pistons of the cylinders at the timing point should be at the same height. This is an engine design principle from Italy or France. German cars usually have the first and fourth cylinder pistons at top dead center. Use tools to fix the intake camshaft and exhaust camshaft, loosen the gear fixing bolts of the camshafts, install the timing belt, idler pulley, and tensioner pulley, and then tighten the bolts.
Last time I tried fixing the timing on my friend's Chery Riich G5, it was no easy task—had to take it step by step with caution. First, make sure the car is parked stably and cooled down to avoid burns or accidental starts. Before removing the timing cover, prepare tools like socket wrenches and special locking pins. Rotate the crankshaft to the top dead center (TDC) position of the first cylinder, aligning the marks on the crankshaft pulley with those on the camshaft sprocket—precision is key here; even a slight misalignment can cause valves to hit pistons, ruining the entire engine. Next, check the tension of the chain or belt—if it's too loose, adjust the tensioner and secure it. The whole process requires patience; beginners often fumble. I recommend keeping a repair manual handy or taking photos of the marks with your phone for repeated verification. If unsure, it's best to visit a professional shop to avoid wasted effort and unnecessary expenses.
My old Chery Riich G5 once had a timing misalignment issue, and I learned to adjust it myself. The operation was quite laborious - first, I had to pry open the timing cover near the crankshaft position sensor, then gently rotate the crankshaft to align the marks with the reference lines, while ensuring the camshaft was synchronized properly. My hand slipped at one point, nearly causing misalignment, which gave me a cold sweat. I immediately stopped to double-check and made sure the chain tension was just right. After completing the job, the engine noise disappeared upon startup. However, the process carries high risks – without proper tools or sufficient experience, it's better to leave it to a professional repair shop for peace of mind and safety. My personal experience taught me that this seemingly simple task is full of pitfalls, like misaligned marks or over-tightening, which could potentially damage the engine. It takes considerable practice to master it properly.
