Adjusting the camshaft timing on a 1.4L Turbo engine, like those found in Cruze and Sonic models, is a task that might seem daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s absolutely achievable. If you’re planning to upgrade valve springs or have had to remove components like camshafts, sprockets, or the timing chain, understanding how to reset your timing is crucial. While the question “What Tool Do You Use To Measure Car Camshaft” might seem straightforward, the process involves a set of specialized tools to ensure precise timing. This guide will walk you through the essential tools and steps required for accurate camshaft timing adjustment on your 1.4L Turbo engine.
Essential Tools for Camshaft Timing Adjustment
When it comes to measuring and adjusting camshaft timing, you’ll need more than just a ruler. The process relies on specific tools designed to lock the engine at Top Dead Center (TDC) and align the camshafts correctly. A dedicated 1.4L timing tool kit is indispensable for this job. While various kits are available, they generally include the same core components. Let’s break down what each tool does:
- Crankshaft Fixing Tool (Tool D): This tool is used to lock the crankshaft in the precise TDC position. TDC is the reference point for all timing adjustments, ensuring the pistons are in the correct position before you start working on the camshafts.
- Timing Chain Tensioner Fixing Tool (Tool E): This pin compresses and locks the timing chain tensioner in its retracted position. This is crucial for removing tension from the timing chain, allowing for safe camshaft and sprocket removal without the chain jumping teeth.
- Camshaft Locking Plate (Tool B): This plate is designed to fit into slots at the rear of the camshafts, locking them in the correct timed position relative to the crankshaft (which is locked at TDC). This ensures the intake and exhaust camshafts are correctly aligned with each other and the crankshaft.
- Intake Sprocket Holding Tool (Tool C): This tool is used to hold the intake sprocket in place while tightening the camshaft bolts. It also aids in maintaining correct tension on the timing chain during reassembly.
- Exciter Ring Positioning Tool (Tool A): The exciter rings (also known as reluctor rings or tone wheels) are critical for the engine’s sensors to read camshaft position, which is essential for the ECU to manage valve timing. This tool ensures these rings are correctly positioned during camshaft installation.
You can find these 1.4L timing tool kits readily available online. While higher-end options like the Kent-Moore tool exist, more affordable kits provide the necessary functionality for most DIY mechanics.
Besides the timing tool kit, you will also need some common automotive tools:
- 22mm Wrench: Used for manually turning the crankshaft during initial TDC finding and tensioning the timing chain.
- Torx Bit Set (up to T50): Various Torx bolts are used throughout the engine, including those for the crankshaft plug and other components you’ll encounter.
- Torque Wrenches (Ft Lb and In Lb): Accurate torque is critical, especially for the TTY (Torque-To-Yield) camshaft bolts. Having both foot-pound and inch-pound torque wrenches ensures you can precisely tighten bolts to specification.
- 24mm Socket and Extension: Likely needed for accessing and manipulating the crankshaft or other components.
Parts You’ll Need
When performing camshaft timing adjustments, it’s crucial to replace certain parts to ensure reliability. The most important parts are:
- 2 x GM Camshaft Bolts (Part Number: 55562224): These are Torque-To-Yield (TTY) bolts and are designed for single use. They must be replaced every time they are removed to guarantee proper clamping force and prevent future issues.
Step-by-Step Guide: Preparing for Timing Adjustment
Before you can use the timing tools to set the camshaft timing, you’ll need to prepare the engine by bringing it to TDC and accessing the necessary components. This section outlines the initial removal steps.
First, remove the valve cover. This exposes the camshafts and valvetrain, giving you access to the components you need to work on.
Next, you need to bring Piston 1 (the passenger-side piston) to approximately Top Dead Center (TDC). A simple method to achieve this is to remove all spark plugs and insert a straw or long, thin object into the spark plug hole of cylinder #1. Then, using a 22mm wrench on the crankshaft pulley bolt or by hand-turning the alternator pulley, rotate the engine clockwise. Observe the straw – when it reaches its highest point, Piston 1 is at approximately TDC.
Now, locate the torx plug on the front side of the engine block, just above the oil pan. Remove this plug using the appropriate Torx bit. This is where you will insert the Crankshaft Fixing Tool (Tool D). Carefully thread Tool D into the hole. You may need to slightly rotate the engine (again, by hand on the alternator pulley) until the tool slides fully into place, locking the crankshaft at TDC.
Moving to the driver’s side of the engine, find another torx plug located above the belt and below the crankshaft position actuator solenoid valve. Remove this plug as well.
Remove the timing chain guide. This is usually an orange plastic piece positioned between the camshaft sprockets and held by two bolts.
To relieve tension on the timing chain, use a 22mm wrench on one of the camshaft bolts. Apply counter-clockwise pressure (towards the front of the car) to stretch the chain against the tensioner.
While maintaining tension on the camshaft, insert the Timing Chain Tensioner Fixing Tool (Tool E) into the hole you exposed on the driver’s side. This can be a bit fiddly as visibility is limited. You need to slide the pin of Tool E through a U-shaped opening within the tensioner housing. Persistence is key here.
With the crankshaft locked at TDC and the timing chain tensioner secured in the compressed position, you’ve successfully prepared the engine for camshaft work. You can now proceed with removing camshaft position actuator solenoid valves, camshaft bolts, and other components as needed for your specific repair or upgrade. Remember to organize all removed parts carefully to ensure correct reassembly.
The next crucial step is utilizing the Camshaft Locking Plate (Tool B) and Exciter Ring Positioning Tool (Tool A) during reassembly to precisely set the camshaft timing. This will be covered in detail in a subsequent guide. Using these specialized tools correctly is what ensures accurate camshaft timing, leading to optimal engine performance and preventing potential damage.
