Alright this thread is for all the dumbass's like myself who cant seem to find out the exact process for timing there motors. A few weeks ago I found (by accident) a wonderful diagram that explains all this but at the time I didn't think I'd been tearing my motor down to the block. So anways, thats exactly what I'm looking for, step by step directions on how to time the 2.3L/2.4L that can be found by simply searching for How To Time A 2.4L. I searched through probably 1200 posts. Thanks for any help. Future Sticky maybe

Heres the official GM "Installation Procedure". I hope you marked the chain (which way was inside/outside) before you took it all apart...

Quote:


Notice

Failure to follow this procedure could result in severe engine damage.


1. Install the intake camshaft sprocket onto the camshaft with the marked surface showing.


Notice

Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

2. Install the intake camshaft sprocket retaining bolt and washer.

Tighten

Tighten the bolt to 70 N·m (52 lb ft) while holding the sprocket with the J 39579 .

3. Use Adhesive/Sealant Compound GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) or equivalent on the camshaft sprocket bolt.

4. Install the J 36008-A through the holes in the camshaft sprockets into the holes in the timing chain housing in order to position the camshaft for correct timing.

5. If the camshafts are out of position and must be rotated more than 1/8 turn in order to install the alignment dowel pins, use the following procedure:
1. The crankshaft must be rotated 90 degrees clockwise off of the TDC in order to give the valves adequate clearance to open.
2. Once the camshafts are in position and the dowels installed, rotate the crankshaft counter clockwise back to the top dead center.

Notice

Do not rotate the crankshaft clockwise to TDC. Valve or piston damage could occur.


Important

The side of the timing chain that was marked during removal must be showing when the chain is installed.


6. Install the timing chain over the exhaust camshaft sprocket, around the idler sprocket and around the crankshaft sprocket.

7. Set the camshaft sprockets at the timed position and use the following procedure in order to install the timing chain:
1. Remove the alignment dowel pin from the intake camshaft.
2. Use the J 39579 in order to rotate the intake camshaft sprocket counter clockwise enough to slide the timing chain over the intake camshaft sprocket.
3. Release the J 39579 . The length of the chain between the 2 camshaft sprockets will tighten.
4. If properly timed the intake camshaft alignment dowel pin should slide in easily. If the dowel pin does not fully index, the camshafts are not timed correctly and the procedure must be repeated.

8. Leave the alignment dowel pins installed.

9. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

10. With the slack removed from the chain between the intake camshaft sprocket and the crankshaft sprocket, the timing marks on the crankshaft and the cylinder block should be aligned. If the marks are not aligned, move the chain one tooth forward or rearward, remove the slack and the recheck marks.

11. The timing chain tensioner must be reset on the workbench. Refer to Timing Chain, Sprockets, Tensioner Installation in Unit Repair.

12. Install the tensioner assembly to the chain housing.

13. Recheck the plunger assembly installation, it is correctly installed when the long end is toward the crankshaft. Install the timing chain tensioner bolts.
Tighten

Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

14. Lower the vehicle enough to reach and remove the alignment dowel pins.

15. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise (normal rotation) 2 full rotations.

16. Align the crankshaft keyway with the mark on the cylinder block and reinstall alignment dowel pins.

17. Alignment dowel pins will slide in easily if the engine is timed correctly.

18. Install the timing chain guides.

19. Install the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement .

Um what if my cam gears, um... somehow got mixed up and I no longer know which way they came off. Is there a way I can tell which is which. Oh ya I have a Haynes manual on order, it must explain the produre in there too, right.

I think the gears are the same... they'll only fit on the cams one way because of the alignment pin.

I would suggest you look for a GM service manual (from Helm), if you can find a used copy on Ebay you're way better off than the crap Haynes manuals.