Genuine Mazda 6 Timing Chain Tensioner

Mazda 6 Timing Chain Tensioner Parts and Q&A

• Tensioner
  L3K9-12-500A
  Q: How to remove and install the Timing Chain, Timing Chain Tensioner and Timing Cover on Mazda 6?

  A:

  In order to remove timing chain cover, disconnect the negative battery cable first, and loosen the water pump pulley bolts and remove the drive belt, drive belt idler pulley and water pump pulley. The next step is to remove the crankshaft pulley keeping the engine in TDC and the valve cover open. Unscrew the electrical connector of Crankshaft Position sensor and unscrew the sensor, and remember that a new sensor should be used every time. Hold the engine in high place and lift it such that the right engine will be unattached. Before removing the bolts and the timing cover, disconnect the electrical connector to the power steering pressure switch, unbolt the power steering pump with the hoses not disconnected, and remove the crankshaft front oil seal. Installation requires that the removal steps be reversed with one following the removal of the RTV sealant ensuring that the mating surfaces are clean, the engine cover is installed within four minutes of the RTV sealant being applied, the bolts are tightened one at a time to the specified torque, the engine is re-timed and the sensor mounting bolts are not tightened until the installation tool is in place. To remove the timing chain and tensioner, remove the timing chain cover then hold the chain tensioner ratchet arm out of the way, compress the timing chain tensioner piston with a pin to hold the piston in the compressed position. In case the ratchet requires resetting, take off the tensioner, unstrain the tension on the ratchet mechanism, and putting back the tensioner. Installation Once the two tensioner mounting bolts have been removed, loosen the loose timing chain guide and timing chain and, depending on the installation, loosen the left chain guide and camshaft sprockets. Installation involves, removing a camshaft alignment tool (1) should it be installed, loosening, but not removing both left sprocket camshaft bolts, ensuring that the camshaft is in place and then attaching the left chain guide, timing chain and right chain guide. Install the tensioner of timing chain, screw the fasteners and unscrew the pin to connect to chain guide. Install the camshaft alignment tool again and tighten the camshaft sprocket bolts using the camshafts but do not just use the alignment tool. Lastly, fit timing chain cover.
• Tensioner
  LF02-12-500
  Q: What are the crucial steps and precautions to follow when working on the Timing Chain, Timing Chain Guide and Timing Chain Tensioner on Mazda 6?

  A:

  It is a complicated timing system and serious engine damage may be achieved in case of errors; hence, only the most experienced people can have an attempt at such a procedure, and it is always important to check all work two times and then start engine on. In the case of a 3.0L, start by getting the timing chain cover off and slide the crankshaft position sensor trigger wheel off the crankshaft ensuring that the pulse wheel fits in its proper place. Disconnect the spark plugs, and observe that there are two timing chains, in which case the front chain is the one that is operating the camshaft sprockets on the rear Cylinder Head as well as the chain that is nearest to the block, operating the camshafts at the front. Install the crankshaft retaining bolt that has the pulley, spin the crankshaft clockwise until the keyway is at 11 o'clock position of the TDC and check the alignment of the camshaft sprockets. Take out the VCT assembly and timing chain tensioner of the rear chain and raise the rear timing chain out of the cam sprockets. Once the chain guide/VCT assembly is removed, it is necessary to slide the rear timing sprocket, rotate the crankshaft so as to position the camshafts in their neutral position and repeat these steps with the front timing chain. Special camshaft holding tools are needed in case of 3.7L engine and it is recommendable to replace water pump during this process. Once the timing chain cover is removed and the engine is set to TDC, the camshaft holding tools are to be installed, the VCT assembly mounting bolts removed, and the tensioners, labeling chain links where needed. Inspect and clean all components of wear or wear, and replace dubious components. Installation It is important to ensure that the tensioners of the timing chains are completely compressed and screwed, the colored links are properly aligned with the index marks, and all parts are properly in place before reassembling. Once the crankshaft is installed, test the crankshaft to confirm that it is free of any binding, secure the timing chain cover and refill the engine with oil and coolant before reconnecting the battery and start the engine to verify that there are no leaks.