How to align the timing of the Citroen C-Quatre?
3 Answers
Citroen C-Quatre timing alignment method is: 1. Remove the timing cover, slowly rotate the crankshaft, observe that each camshaft wheel has a hole, slowly rotate to align with the corresponding hole on the cylinder head, and use a special tool to insert and fix the camshaft. If there is no special tool, you can make one yourself. 2. The crankshaft positioning hole is located at the rear of the engine, there is a large hole, find the top of the right half-shaft near the transmission end, it is easy to find, insert a special tool to fix the crankshaft, if there is no special tool, you can make one yourself. 3. Adjust the position of the tensioner wheel properly, the tightness should be moderate to avoid noise, adjust the pointer to the middle position, use a hex key to adjust left and right to select the middle position, and then tighten the screw.
I've been repairing the Citroen C-Quatre for many years, and timing alignment is a crucial task. First, lift the car to ensure the engine is in a cooled state, then remove the timing chain cover. On the Citroen C-Quatre, locate the marking point on the crankshaft—usually an arrow or groove—and secure it with a specialized wrench to prevent it from rotating freely. Next, check the camshaft; both ends have markings that need to be aligned horizontally, otherwise, the engine will vibrate excessively. Use timing tools to fix the positions of the camshaft and crankshaft, ensuring the chain is tensioned appropriately—neither too loose nor too tight. After reinstalling the cover, manually rotate the engine a few times to check for smooth operation; if not, realign everything. The entire process takes about three to four hours, and tools like calipers and alignment pins are essential. I recommend beginners avoid attempting this themselves, as even a slight misalignment could bend the valves, leading to major repairs. It’s best to take the car to a 4S shop or a reliable repair center—safety first—and have the spark plugs checked while you're at it.
I have an old Citroen C-Quatre, and I once tried to align the timing myself when it had issues. I remember it was stuffy in the garage that day. I checked the manual to locate the crankshaft position—there's a small dot mark on the flywheel. The camshaft end just needed to align with a specific scale line. Installing the chain required steady hands, and since I didn’t have specialized tools, I relied on a friend to help turn the crankshaft. After reassembling, there was a slight abnormal noise upon startup. I thought it might be due to improper chain tension, so I took it apart again and readjusted the tensioner. It took me most of the day to get it right, but I was still worried afterward, so I had a repair shop double-check to ensure everything was correct. My personal advice is to prepare a timing kit tool, which costs around 200 yuan online. Incorrect timing alignment can lead to higher fuel consumption or engine vibration, and in severe cases, it may even cause stalling. For routine maintenance, regularly inspect the chain for wear—the C-Quatre typically needs attention around every 70,000 to 80,000 km. To put it simply, if you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it’s safer to pay a professional team rather than risk it to save money.
