Timing Chain Kit

Complete timing chain system replacement on the 3.0L V6 twin turbo engine, including chains, guides, tensioners, and sprockets to restore proper valve timing and prevent catastrophic engine failure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain kit (includes chains, guides, tensioners) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gaskets (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft position sensor O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft front seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil (Selenia Racing 10W-60) × 6 — Use OEM specification
• Oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant (Maserati OAT) × 10 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant (timing cover) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Selenia Racing 10W-60 — 5.5 qt
• Maserati OAT Coolant — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, apply parking brake, and disconnect negative battery terminal
2. Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 4 hours) to prevent burns and thermal expansion issues
3. Remove engine cover and undertray panels to access engine compartment
4. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
5. Drain cooling system from radiator petcock and engine block drain plugs
6. Remove front wheels and inner fender liners for access to crankshaft pulley
7. Install engine support fixture or attach overhead hoist to engine lift points
8. Document all vacuum lines, electrical connectors, and harness routing with photographs
9. Remove air intake system, throttle body boots, and charge air piping
10. Disconnect all interfering wiring harnesses and position aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Valve Covers and Upper Engine Components
   Disconnect ignition coil connectors and fuel injector harnesses. Remove ignition coils from each cylinder. Unbolt and remove both valve covers, noting bolt sequence for reassembly. Remove spark plugs to eliminate compression resistance during rotation. Disconnect camshaft position sensors from all four camshafts.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts18 Nm (13 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

   Electrical Connector Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove Accessory Drive System
   Remove serpentine belt by releasing tensioner. Remove belt tensioner and idler pulleys. Disconnect power steering pump (if equipped) and AC compressor, positioning them aside without disconnecting refrigerant lines. Remove alternator mounting bolts and position alternator aside with wiring connected.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Support Engine and Remove Motor Mounts
   Verify engine support fixture is properly installed and taking engine weight. Remove right side engine mount bolts and carefully raise engine approximately 20-30mm to gain clearance for timing cover removal. Support engine securely in this position.
   ⚠Engine must be properly supported before removing motor mount bolts. Ensure support fixture is rated for engine weight and securely attached.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove Crankshaft Pulley and Front Covers
   Using harmonic balancer holding tool or impact wrench, remove crankshaft pulley center bolt (180 Nm). Use appropriate puller to remove crankshaft pulley without damaging crankshaft snout. Remove any remaining front covers or shields blocking access to timing cover.
   ⚠Crankshaft pulley bolt is extremely tight. Use impact wrench or proper holding tool. Do not attempt to hold engine by flywheel or other methods that may cause damage.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove Timing Cover
   Remove all timing cover bolts, noting different sizes: 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm bolts are used in specific locations. Keep bolts organized by size and location. Carefully separate timing cover from engine block using plastic pry tools only at designated pry points. Remove and discard timing cover gasket. Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly with plastic scraper and brake cleaner.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts18 Nm (13 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Verify TDC and Install Alignment Tools
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise (as viewed from front) until cylinder #1 is at TDC compression stroke. Install crankshaft TDC alignment pin through engine block into crankshaft timing hole. Verify all four camshafts are in neutral position. Install camshaft alignment tools into rear of each camshaft. If camshafts do not align, note position for diagnostic purposes - chains may have jumped time.
   ⚠️All alignment tools must be properly installed and verified before proceeding. Do not force alignment tools - if they don't fit, timing is incorrect and must be investigated before disassembly.
7. 7

   Remove Timing Chain Tensioners and Guides
   Remove timing chain tensioner bolts for both banks. Carefully extract tensioners - note spring pressure and orientation. Remove upper timing chain guides by unbolting guide bolts. Remove lower timing chain guides and oil pump chain guide. Inspect all removed components for wear, scoring, or cracks.
   Torque spec

   Tensioner Bolt21 Nm (16 lb-ft)

   Guide Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove Camshaft Sprockets and Timing Chains
   With camshafts held by alignment tools, remove camshaft sprocket bolts while holding camshaft hex flats with appropriate wrench. Remove cam phasers (if equipped) by removing cam phaser bolts while holding camshafts. Remove both timing chains from sprockets. Remove idler sprockets if replacing. Inspect all sprockets for wear on teeth and replace if necessary.
   ⚠Camshafts must be held stationary using hex flats when removing sprocket bolts. Do not hold by chain or use alignment tool holes as these will be damaged.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Sprocket Bolt80 Nm (59 lb-ft)

   Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)

   Timing Chain Idler Sprocket25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install New Crankshaft Sprocket and Lower Components
   Clean crankshaft snout and install new crankshaft sprocket with timing mark oriented correctly. Install new lower timing chain guides and secure with guide bolts. Install new oil pump chain guide. Install new idler sprockets with timing marks visible. Verify all lower components are clean and properly seated.
   Torque spec

   Guide Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)

   Timing Chain Idler Sprocket25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install Timing Chains
    Verify crankshaft is still at TDC with alignment pin installed. Route new timing chains around crankshaft sprocket following factory routing diagram. Ensure timing marks on chains align with marks on crankshaft sprocket. Feed chains up to camshaft sprocket positions. Verify chain routing around idler sprockets matches factory specifications.
    ⚠️Timing chain routing is critical. Incorrect routing will cause immediate catastrophic engine failure. Reference factory service manual diagrams and verify multiple times before proceeding.
11. 11

    Install Camshaft Sprockets and Cam Phasers
    With camshaft alignment tools still installed, position camshaft sprockets onto chains with timing marks properly aligned. Install sprockets onto camshafts. If equipped, install cam phasers with new bolts and high-strength threadlocker as specified. Hold camshafts by hex flats and torque cam phaser bolts and camshaft sprocket bolts to specification. Verify timing marks alignment after torquing.
    ⚠Apply high-strength threadlocker to cam phaser bolts as specified. These bolts are subject to extreme stress and must not loosen.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Sprocket Bolt80 Nm (59 lb-ft)

    Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install Upper Guides and Prepare Tensioners
    Install new upper timing chain guides and torque guide bolts to specification. Compress new timing chain tensioners using appropriate tool or bench vise, then lock in compressed position with tensioner pin or clip. Install compressed tensioners into engine and torque tensioner bolts, but do not release tensioner pins yet.
    ℹ️Tensioners must remain locked in compressed position until all timing components are installed and verified. Premature release will make alignment impossible.
    Torque spec

    Guide Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)

    Tensioner Bolt21 Nm (16 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Verify Timing Alignment and Release Tensioners
    Perform final verification that all timing marks align correctly: crankshaft at TDC, all camshaft alignment tools properly seated, timing chain colored links aligned with sprocket marks. Remove camshaft alignment tools carefully. Slowly pull tensioner pins to release tensioners and apply tension to chains. Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise. Reinstall camshaft alignment tools - they should fit perfectly. If alignment tools do not fit, timing is incorrect and must be corrected.
    ⚠️This is the critical verification step. If engine does not return to perfect alignment after two revolutions, stop immediately and re-check all timing marks and component installation.
14. 14

    Install New Timing Cover and Seal
    Install new crankshaft front seal into timing cover using seal driver. Apply thin bead of RTV silicone to timing cover mating surface at block-to-head joints only. Install new timing cover gasket. Carefully position timing cover onto engine, ensuring gasket remains properly positioned. Install timing cover bolts finger-tight, then torque in sequence: 6mm bolts first, then 8mm bolts, finally 10mm bolts to their respective specifications.
    ℹ️RTV should only be applied at block-to-head joints where gasket alone may not seal adequately. Excessive RTV can break off and contaminate oil system.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts18 Nm (13 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall Crankshaft Pulley and Complete Assembly
    Clean crankshaft snout and apply thin coat of clean engine oil. Install crankshaft pulley and thread in center bolt. Torque crankshaft pulley bolt to 180 Nm using impact wrench or holding tool. Reinstall valve covers with new gaskets, torquing bolts in proper sequence. Reinstall all camshaft position sensors with new O-rings. Lower engine back to normal position and reinstall motor mount. Reinstall all accessory drive components, alternator, and related items.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)

    Cover Bolts18 Nm (13 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all ignition coils and spark plugs, ensuring proper torque and wire routing
2. Reconnect all wiring harnesses, vacuum lines, and sensors to their original positions
3. Reinstall air intake system, throttle body connections, and charge air piping
4. Install new oil filter and fill engine with 5.5 quarts Selenia Racing 10W-60 oil
5. Install oil drain plug with new crush washer and torque to specification
6. Refill cooling system with Maserati OAT coolant and bleed air from system
7. Reinstall inner fender liners, front wheels, undertray panels, and engine cover
8. Reconnect battery negative terminal and verify all electrical connections secure

Verification

• Before starting engine, remove all spark plugs and perform final timing verification by rotating engine through multiple revolutions while monitoring camshaft alignment tool fit
• Reinstall spark plugs and prime oil system by cranking engine for 10 seconds without starting
• Start engine and immediately verify normal oil pressure on gauge (should register within 3-5 seconds)
• Listen carefully for any abnormal timing chain noise, rattles, or valve contact sounds - engine should run smoothly
• Monitor for oil leaks at timing cover, valve covers, and all gasket surfaces
• Monitor for coolant leaks and verify cooling system maintains proper temperature
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no timing-related fault codes are present
• Perform test drive and verify smooth operation under all throttle conditions and RPM ranges
• Re-check all fluid levels after test drive and top off as necessary
• Clear any learned timing adaptations using diagnostic scanner to allow ECU to relearn with new components

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