timing chain

[birdman]

Can someone tell me basically how to remove the timing chain on a 91 3.4? im not sure what the correct procedure would be. thanks.

[series8217]

There are three ways:

1) Remove the distributor plug/oil pump drive and the rear intermediate shaft cover plate. Now you can slide the intermediate shaft out the back and the timing sprocket falls loose.
Obviously this requires head removal because there's no other way to get the dist plug out..

2) Find a tool that fits behind the crankshaft sprocket and will pull the chain and sprocket off the crankshaft. I can't find a tool that fits with the timing chain on... actually its pretty hard to find one that fits behind the crank sprocket with the chain already off! Note that pulling the sprocket off with the chain on might damage the chain anyway...

3) Cut the chain. Now to reinstall the chain you pull the crank sprocket and reinstall it with a new chain on it.

[birdman]

the engine is out of the car on a stand so room isnt a problem. so if i get you correctly the intermediate shaft's sprocket will fall off if i remove the rear cover and dist plug? it would seem to me that that sprocket would be pressed on also?

[series8217]

Nope, its completely loose. It just slides on. There isn't even a key, though you can install one if you want to. The only thing that keeps that sprocket in place is the cogged face that engages into the timing belt drive cog when the bolt for that cog is tightened down. Pretty weird, huh?