Camshafts Not Aligned Correctly
 

I recently noticed that my exhaust and intake camshafts were not aligned correctly (the engine was recently rebuilt). The alignment tool for this engine is a metal bar that runs across the end of the cams horizontally, and a pin to hold the crank at TDC. I tried to release tension off the timing chain to rotate the one cam, but that just made matters worse some how. Is is feasible that I just remove a sprocket off one of the cams, to release the chain, and then line everything up correctly? I'm trying to avoid having to remove the timing chain cover. Anything I need to worry about?

2.3L Mazda 3

If you remove that bolt, you need to replace the friction washers.

Mazda 3 or mazdaspeed3?

go over to 247, IMO..........but this is an interference motor. If you had been driving the car just fine, you're okay....cuz you'd know if it was out of time. You'd have smashed some valves.

Friction washers.. good call, thanks.

Mazda 3. I posted here since you guys tend to be more technical.

Was not enough off enough to hit the valves. Car had been running, but was sounding like diesel engine. Took valve cover off to check timing and noticed it was off a few degrees.

pull the crank bolt, get new friction washers. loosen the exhaust cam bolt but don't worry about a new washer. pin off the tensioner to relieve tension.

follow FSM procedure to set time. Do not use the cam plate to hold the cams in place while torquing the crank bolt!

Why does the crank bolt need removing? It's a one time use bolt which I why I ask, plus I don't have the service tool to hold the crank pulley in place. Which is one of the reasons why I'm looking for a simpler way then having to remove the entire timing cover.

I have the Mazda Workshop Manual, is that the same as the FSM? There's no mention on setting timing after the chain has been installed that I can see.

They're are 501 threads about timing procedures you can find, search for crank bolt discussion there's tons of info in there, I know because I posted quite a bit in there

Before you get too far post pics of the slots on the end on the cam on the speeds even with cams in time they don't just slide on the timing plate easy... I usually still got to turn a Cam to get it in

Awesome. Found the crank bolt pulley tool through your thread. Thanks

But, before I spend $50, I don't really understand why I'm removing the crank bolt. I'm not really following gingermike procedure. The crank moves free in the counter-clockwise direction once the tension is off the chain. The trouble is the cams.

OTC 4754 Universal Pulley Holder : Amazon.com : Automotive

Removing the sprocket wasn't even required. I just loosened the bolt on the exhaust cam sprocket and it spun freely. Took a little work, but less work then removing the timing chain cover.