Faq Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions HIGH PERFORMANCE Q: What is Center Distance? ANSWER: Center Distance or (CD) is the measurement from the center of the camshaft to the center of the crankshaft. Accurately matching your timing set to the center distance of your engine will determine the performance and longevity of your timing set. CC = MOS - (CRANK DIA./2 + CAM DIA./2) WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEOS: Hex-A-Just Multi-Keyway High Performance Crank Sprocket Adjustments Q: What is HAND MATCHING? ANSWER: Each and every Cloyes Premium Race set (Hex-A-Just®, Quick Adjust®, Race Billet, and Original Race True®) is matched at the Cloyes facility by trained technicians. This process starts with a detailed component fitment and critical feature analysis. Each set is then measured on a pneumatic matching fixture, allowing rotation of the timing set under a detail that sets Cloyes apart from all competitors. Accurate and consistent valve timing is a key component to maximizing engine performance. The illustrations below show a typical mass-produced OE timing set versus a hand-matched Cloyes True® Roller set. OE Set Center Distance measure 0.010” too long causing chain deflection, resulting in: Timing Variation: The cam sprocket is allowed to rotate a certain number of degrees (relative to amount of deflection) without taking lead from the crank sprocket. This prevents the engine from attaining optimum performance. Chain Whip: This will lead to shortened chain fatigue life and can cause ultimate failure. Cloyes Hand-Matched Set Center Distance measures to exact engine specification: Exact and Consistent Timing = Optimum engine performance Smooth Chain Operation = Increased chain life WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEOS: Hex-A-Just Multi-Keyway High Performance Crank Sprocket Adjustments Q: Does Cloyes have undersize sets for aligned bored/honed engines? ANSWER: Yes, in minus 0.005” and minus 0.010” increments. First, the Center Distance as a result of the main bearing alignment needs to be measured. With this measurement, the closest increment that is longer than the measurement can be selected. To order, start with the Cloyes premium timing set number (Race/Adjustable) you have selected for your application and add the respective increment to the end of the number. Example: 9-3100A-5 WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEOS: Hex-A-Just Multi-Keyway High Performance Crank Sprocket Adjustments Q: Why would I want to advance or retard my valve timing? ANSWER: Adjusting your valve timing gives you the ability to customize your torque and power curves to optimize your desired engine output for your specific application needs. ADVANCED TIMING = MAXIMUM TORQUE AT LOW RPM Recommended for towing, performance street driving, and drag racing with automatic transmissions. Retarded Timing = Maximum torque at high RPM Recommended for circle track, drag racing with manual transmissions and other all-out racing applications. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEOS: Hex-A-Just Multi-Keyway High Performance Crank Sprocket Adjustments Q: How do I advance or retard my valve timing? ANSWER: Cloyes offers several different options to adjust your valve timing: HEX-A-JUST® With the simple turn of an allen wrench or fuel pump eccentric, our patented Hex-A-Just® systems allow you to infinitely adjust valve timing within a window of +/- 6 degrees. QUICK ADJUST® Another Cloyes patented and innovating way to adjust your valve timing. By simply loosening the six fasteners and using the supplied tool you can infinitely adjust valve timing within a window of +/- 6 degrees. MULTIPLE KEYWAYS Use our three or nine keyway crank sprockets for incremental adjustments. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEOS: Hex-A-Just Multi-Keyway High Performance Crank Sprocket Adjustments GM HFV6 Q: Are the camshaft locking tools required for timing system replacement? ANSWER: No, the procedure demonstrated in the video utilizes the crankshaft position “stages” that position the camshafts in resting positions before the chains are removed. When using this procedure, no special tools are required. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEO: GM 3.0/3.6L Timing Replacement, Cloyes 9-0753S Q: Should gasket maker be used on the timing chain tensioners during installation? ANSWER: No. Never use gasket maker on any hydraulic timing chain tensioners. The tensioners in this application are supplied with metallic gaskets that seal the tensioner housing to the engine surface. The use of gasket maker can clog vital oil passages and restrict the hydraulic function of the tensioners. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEO: GM 3.0/3.6L Timing Replacement, Cloyes 9-0753S Q: Can the tensioners be deactivated and reused after installation or accidental activation? ANSWER: Yes, the tensioners can be deactivated and reinstalled after they have been activated. Remove the tensioner piston from the housing, then compress the ratchet cage mechanism into the piston while rotating the cage clockwise until it stops. The assembly should stay compressed and can be reinstalled into the housing. The activation pin can then be reinstalled. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEO: GM 3.0/3.6L Timing Replacement, Cloyes 9-0753S Q: Is the GM HFV6 engine an interference engine? ANSWER: Yes. Piston to valve contact is possible when shafts are rotated individually or if the timing system is not properly timed. Piston to valve contact should also be checked if the engine suffers timing system failure. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEO: GM 3.0/3.6L Timing Replacement, Cloyes 9-0753S Q: When should I change my timing chain? ANSWER: Although the timing chain system does not have a defined service interval, the system does experience wear and you can expect to service the components during the vehicle’s lifespan. The vehicle’s check engine light can illuminate, and ECM codes can indicate camshaft to crankshaft correlation issues. This may indicate that the system is worn and needs to be serviced. Other symptoms including engine rattles, poor performance, reduced fuel mileage, or engine failure can also indicate wear of failure of the timing system. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEO: GM 3.0/3.6L Timing Replacement, Cloyes 9-0753S Q: Do you begin the disassembly of the timing system at Stage 1 or Stage 2 on the crankshaft? ANSWER: Stage 2. The right bank secondary chain subsystem needs to be disassembled with the crankshaft at the Stage 2 position. The dot should align with the dot on the oil pump at about 8 o’clock. The primary and left bank secondary systems are to be disassembled and reassembled at Stage 1. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEO: GM 3.0/3.6L Timing Replacement, Cloyes 9-0753S FORD MODULAR 5.4/4.6 Q: Do the camshaft roller followers need to be removed before timing system replacement? ANSWER: No. The roller followers do not need to be removed when removing the timing cover to service the timing components. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEO: Ford 5.4L Timing Chain Replacement (Cloyes 9-0391SB) Q: Do you need to use gasket maker on the tensioner-to-engine mating surface? ANSWER: No. Never use gasket maker on any hydraulic timing chain tensioners. The later model nylon tensioners in this application have built-in O-ring gaskets, and the earlier style cast tensioner have a machined flat mating surface. The use of gasket maker can clog vital oil passages and restrict the hydraulic function of the tensioners. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEO: Ford 5.4L Timing Chain Replacement (Cloyes 9-0391SB) Q: Do the sequentially marked chain links straddle the sprocket mark on the camshaft or crankshaft sprocket of the 5.4L Ford Modular engine? ANSWER: Camshaft sprocket. The sequential marked links will straddle the mark on the camshaft sprocket and the single marked chain link aligns to the mark on the crankshaft. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEO: Ford 5.4L Timing Chain Replacement (Cloyes 9-0391SB) Q: Is the engine’s right bank cylinder head on the passenger side or driver side of the vehicle? ANSWER: Passenger side. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEO: Ford 5.4L Timing Chain Replacement (Cloyes 9-0391SB) FORD 4.0 Q: Is the special tool kit required to time the 4.0L Ford SOHC engine? ANSWER: Yes. The camshaft and jackshaft sprockets are not keyed, so the tool kit is required to position the shafts correctly. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEO: 1997-2011 Ford 4.0L (Explorer / Mustang / Ranger) timing replacement (Cloyes kit# 9-0398SB) Q: Can the repair be made with the engine inside the vehicle? ANSWER: No. The engine technically does not need to be completely removed, but it must be disconnected and separated from the transmission to service the right bank components. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEO: 1997-2011 Ford 4.0L (Explorer / Mustang / Ranger) timing replacement (Cloyes kit# 9-0398SB) Q: Can you use all the components from the kit for engines with a balance shaft in an engine without a balance shaft? ANSWER: No. The crankshaft sprockets are different between balance shaft and non-balance shaft engines. WATCH RELATED TECH VIDEO: 1997-2011 Ford 4.0L (Explorer / Mustang / Ranger) timing replacement (Cloyes kit# 9-0398SB) GM ECOTEC Q: Does the tensioner need to be activated? When? ANSWER: Yes, after installation. The tensioner piston must be compressed completely and then released after installation against the chain. Failure to properly activate the tensioner can cause timing system failure. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: GM 2.0/2.2/2.4L, Timing Replacement, Cloyes 9-4201S & 9-4202S Q: Can the tensioner be deactivated and reused after installation or accidental activation? ANSWER: Yes, the tensioner can be deactivated and reinstalled after it has been activated. Remove the snap ring then the tensioner piston from the housing. Once removed, compress the ratchet cage mechanism into the piston while rotating the cage clockwise until it stops. The assembly should stay compressed. You can then reinstall the assembly into the housing and reinstall the snap ring. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: GM 2.0/2.2/2.4L, Timing Replacement, Cloyes 9-4201S & 9-4202S Q: Where does the unique marked chain link align? ANSWER: The intake sprocket mark of the intake camshaft. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: GM 2.0/2.2/2.4L, Timing Replacement, Cloyes 9-4201S & 9-4202S Q: If the engine is rotated after timing system installation will the marked chain links realign? ANSWER: No. The marked chain links will only align to all the sprocket marks during the initial installation. Once the crankshaft is rotated the marks will not all realign after a couple of test rotations. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: GM 2.0/2.2/2.4L, Timing Replacement, Cloyes 9-4201S & 9-4202S CHRYSLER 2.7 Q: Does the tensioner need to be activated? When? ANSWER: Yes, after installation. The tensioner piston must be compressed completely and then released after installation against the chain. Failure to properly activate the tensioner can cause timing system failure. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: Chrysler (Sebring / Concorde / 300) 2.7L timing replacement (Cloyes kit# 9-0397SA) Q: Should you use gasket maker on the tensioner access plate? ANSWER: No, the use of gasket maker can clog or restrict the oil supply to the timing chain tensioner. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: Chrysler (Sebring / Concorde / 300) 2.7L timing replacement (Cloyes kit# 9-0397SA) Q: After tensioner activation, should the groove on the tensioner piston be visible? ANSWER: No. The groove should not be visible after activation. If the groove is extended past the tensioner housing it is indication that the chain is worn/stretched and should be replaced. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: Chrysler (Sebring / Concorde / 300) 2.7L timing replacement (Cloyes kit# 9-0397SA) Q: What sprocket timing mark do the sequentially marked chain links align to? ANSWER: The left bank camshaft sprocket. The sequential marked links will straddle the mark on the left bank camshaft sprocket and the single marked chain links align to the marks on the crankshaft and right bank camshaft sprockets. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: Chrysler (Sebring / Concorde / 300) 2.7L timing replacement (Cloyes kit# 9-0397SA) Q: Does the camshaft sensor target wheel on the left-hand camshaft sprocket need to match the original? ANSWER: Yes. It is crucial that the camshaft sensor target wheel on the left-hand camshaft sprocket matches the original. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: Chrysler (Sebring / Concorde / 300) 2.7L timing replacement (Cloyes kit# 9-0397SA) CHRYSLER 3.7/4.7 Q: Are any special tools required to complete the timing system replacement? ANSWER: No. Special tools are available and may make the task easier; however, the system replacement can be completed without any special tools. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: 2007-2013 Chrysler 4.7L Timing Replacement (Cloyes 9-0393SF) Q: Does the camshaft sensor target wheel on the right-hand camshaft sprocket need to match the original? ANSWER: Yes. It is crucial that the camshaft sensor target wheel on the right-hand camshaft sprocket matches the original. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: 2007-2013 Chrysler 4.7L Timing Replacement (Cloyes 9-0393SF) Q: Can the idler sprocket be installed separately from the chains and crankshaft sprocket? ANSWER: No. The three chains, crankshaft sprocket, and the idler assembly all must be installed together. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: 2007-2013 Chrysler 4.7L Timing Replacement (Cloyes 9-0393SF) Q: Do both secondary timing chain tensioners have a sheet metal plate that install behind the housings? ANSWER: No. Only the left-bank secondary chain tensioner has the sheet metal plate that installs behind the tensioner housing. The plate is included with the replacement tensioner. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: 2007-2013 Chrysler 4.7L Timing Replacement (Cloyes 9-0393SF) NISSAN 3.5/4.0 Q: Does the oil pan need to be removed to service the timing components? ANSWER: Yes. The oil pan assembly must be removed to remove the front engine cover and gain access to the timing components. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: Nissan 3.5L Timing Replacment (350Z / Altima / Maxima / Murano / Quest / Rogue) Cloyes 9-0720S Q: Should the water pump be replaced while servicing the timing components in the Nissan 3.5L and/or 4.0L V6 engines? ANSWER: Yes. The water pump in the Nissan 3.5L and 4.0L V6 engines are timing chain driven. The pump should always be replaced when easily assessable as routine and/or preventative maintenance. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: Nissan 3.5L Timing Replacment (350Z / Altima / Maxima / Murano / Quest / Rogue) Cloyes 9-0720S Q: Should gasket maker be used on the timing chain tensioners during installation? ANSWER: No. Never use gasket maker on any hydraulic timing chain tensioners. The primary and secondary tensioners in this application have finished surfaces and/or O-rings that contact the engine surface. The use of gasket maker can clog vital oil passages and restrict the hydraulic function of the tensioners. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: Nissan 3.5L Timing Replacment (350Z / Altima / Maxima / Murano / Quest / Rogue) Cloyes 9-0720S Q: Does the intermediate timing cover need to be removed to service the timing components? ANSWER: No. The intermediate cover does not need to be removed. However, special attention needs to be paid when applying gasket maker and reinstalling the front camshaft caps. WATCH RELEVANT TECH VIDEO: Nissan 3.5L Timing Replacment (350Z / Altima / Maxima / Murano / Quest / Rogue) Cloyes 9-0720S
