Timing Chain

Complete timing chain, guide, and tensioner replacement on the 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, including camshaft and crankshaft sprocket removal and timing alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain kit (includes chains, guides, tensioners) × 1 — Use OEM Maserati specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft front seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft seal set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gaskets × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Selenia Racing 10W-60
• Coolant × 1 — Maserati OAT Coolant
• Gasket sealant (Loctite 5900 or equivalent) × 1 — Anaerobic gasket maker

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for system discharge
3. Remove engine cover and upper intake components for access
4. Drain engine coolant completely into appropriate container
5. Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
6. Remove front underbody panels and splash shields
7. Remove drive belts (serpentine and accessories)
8. Support engine from above using engine support fixture or secure to hoist
9. Remove right-side engine mount to allow engine tilt for timing cover access
10. Document all electrical connector positions with photos before disconnection

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front accessories and prepare for timing cover access
   Remove the radiator cooling fan assembly, power steering pump (leave hoses connected and secure aside), A/C compressor (leave hoses connected and secure aside), alternator, water pump pulley, and harmonic balancer. Use harmonic balancer holding tool to prevent crankshaft rotation while removing the center bolt. Mark the balancer orientation to crankshaft before removal for reassembly reference.
2. 2

   Remove valve covers and upper timing components
   Remove both left and right valve covers, preserving gaskets if in good condition. Remove ignition coils and set aside. Remove any CMP (camshaft position) sensors and VVT solenoids from cylinder heads. Label all components for proper reinstallation to their original positions.
3. 3

   Rotate engine to TDC on cylinder #1 compression stroke
   Manually rotate crankshaft clockwise using a socket on the crankshaft bolt location until cylinder #1 is at top dead center (TDC) on compression stroke. Verify timing marks on camshaft sprockets align with cylinder head reference marks. Both intake and exhaust valves on cylinder #1 should be closed. Insert crankshaft TDC alignment tool to lock crankshaft in position.
   ⚠Verify cylinder #1 is on compression stroke, not exhaust stroke. Both valves must be closed.
4. 4

   Install camshaft locking tools
   With engine at TDC, install Maserati camshaft locking tools into the rear of both cylinder head camshafts. Tools should slide into position easily if timing is correct. These tools lock all four camshafts (both intake and exhaust on each bank) in their correct timing position. Verify tools are fully seated and locked.
   ⚠️If camshaft locking tools do not fit easily, timing is incorrect. Do not force tools.
5. 5

   Remove timing cover
   Remove all timing cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (work from outside to inside). Note bolt lengths and positions as they vary. Carefully remove timing cover by pulling straight out to avoid damaging alignment dowels. If cover is stuck, use plastic dead-blow hammer on reinforced areas only. Inspect and remove old gasket material from block and cover using plastic scraper.
   Torque spec

   Timing Cover Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Release timing chain tensioners
   Locate both primary and secondary timing chain tensioners. Use timing chain tensioner compression tool to carefully compress and lock each tensioner in the retracted position. This releases tension on the timing chains. Mark tensioner positions and remove tensioner mounting bolts. Remove tensioners and inspect for wear or leakage.
   ⚠Tensioners are spring-loaded. Control compression carefully to prevent injury or component damage.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Tensioner25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove timing chain guides
   Remove all timing chain guide mounting bolts. There are typically upper guides, lower guides, and pivot guides for both banks. Note the position and orientation of each guide for reassembly. Inspect guides for wear grooves, cracks, or material loss. All guides should be replaced as part of the timing chain kit.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove camshaft sprockets and timing chains
   Remove camshaft sprocket bolts from all four camshafts while camshaft locking tools are still installed to prevent rotation. Remove intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets from both banks. Slide timing chains off sprockets and crankshaft sprocket. Keep chains organized and labeled by bank (left/right) if reusing for inspection purposes. Mark chain direction of rotation with paint marker before removal.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Sprocket Bolts80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove crankshaft sprocket
   Remove crankshaft sprocket bolt (this is a TTY bolt - discard and use new bolt for reassembly). Use harmonic balancer holding tool or lock crankshaft using appropriate method. Remove crankshaft sprocket from crankshaft nose. Inspect sprocket for wear on teeth and keyway. Note position of any alignment marks or woodruff keys.
   ⚠Crankshaft bolt is torque-to-yield and must not be reused.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Sprocket Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft) + 90°
10. 10

    Inspect all timing components and prepare for reassembly
    Thoroughly inspect crankshaft and camshaft sprocket mounting surfaces for damage, scoring, or wear. Clean all timing chain running surfaces on block and heads. Verify crankshaft TDC alignment tool is still properly positioned. Verify camshaft locking tools remain properly seated. Clean timing cover mating surface on engine block and inspect for damage or warping.
    ℹ️Do not rotate crankshaft or camshafts with locking tools installed. Alignment must be maintained.
11. 11

    Install new crankshaft sprocket and timing chains
    Install new or inspected crankshaft sprocket onto crankshaft with alignment marks facing outward. Install new crankshaft sprocket bolt finger-tight only at this stage. Route new timing chains around crankshaft sprocket according to factory timing marks. Ensure chains are routed correctly for left bank (cylinders 1-3) and right bank (cylinders 4-6). Verify any colored links on new chains align with marks on sprockets per manufacturer instructions.
12. 12

    Install new timing chain guides and prepare tensioners
    Install all new timing chain guides in their correct positions, routing chains through guide channels. Install guide bolts and torque to specification in a progressive pattern. Prepare new timing chain tensioners by compressing and locking in retracted position using tensioner tool. Apply light oil to tensioner plungers. Do not install tensioners yet.
    Torque spec

    Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install camshaft sprockets and verify timing alignment
    Position new or inspected camshaft sprockets onto all four camshafts while chains are properly positioned. Align timing marks on sprockets with marks on cylinder heads. Verify colored chain links (if present) align with sprocket timing marks. With camshaft locking tools still installed, install camshaft sprocket bolts and torque to specification. Double-check all timing marks are correctly aligned before proceeding.
    ⚠️Timing mark alignment is critical. Verify all marks multiple times before final torque.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Sprocket Bolts80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque crankshaft sprocket bolt and install tensioners
    With all sprockets and chains properly positioned, torque crankshaft sprocket bolt to 180 Nm (133 lb-ft), then rotate an additional 90 degrees using torque angle gauge. Verify bolt does not exceed maximum torque during angle rotation. Install timing chain tensioners into their bores and torque mounting bolts to specification. Carefully release tensioner locks to apply tension to chains. Verify chains are properly tensioned and seated on all sprockets.
    ⚠Ensure tensioners release smoothly. Chain should become taut but not over-tensioned.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft Sprocket Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft) + 90°

    Timing Chain Tensioner25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Remove locking tools and verify timing
    Carefully remove camshaft locking tools from cylinder heads. Remove crankshaft TDC alignment tool. Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise (normal direction of rotation) using socket on crankshaft bolt. Engine should rotate smoothly without binding. After two revolutions, crankshaft should return exactly to TDC position. Verify camshaft timing marks still align correctly. Reinstall alignment tools to verify - they should fit easily if timing is correct.
    ⚠️If engine binds during rotation or timing marks do not realign after two revolutions, disassemble and verify timing chain installation immediately.
16. 16

    Install new timing cover with gasket
    Apply thin bead of anaerobic gasket sealant to timing cover mating surface per manufacturer instructions. Position new timing cover gasket and align cover onto engine block using alignment dowels. Install all timing cover bolts finger-tight, then torque in proper sequence (inside to outside pattern) to specification. Allow gasket sealant to cure per product instructions before adding fluids.
    Torque spec

    Timing Cover Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Reinstall front accessories and valve covers
    Install new crankshaft front seal into timing cover. Install harmonic balancer with alignment marks matching original position. Install water pump pulley, alternator, A/C compressor, and power steering pump with proper belt tension. Reinstall CMP sensors and VVT solenoids. Install new valve cover gaskets and reinstall valve covers. Reinstall ignition coils. Reinstall engine mount and remove engine support fixture.

Reassembly

1. Install all drive belts with proper tension per specification
2. Reinstall all underbody panels and splash shields
3. Fill engine with new Selenia Racing 10W-60 oil (5.5 quarts) and new oil filter
4. Fill cooling system with Maserati OAT coolant (10 quarts) and bleed air from system
5. Reconnect negative battery cable
6. Prime oil system by cranking engine without starting (disable ignition or fuel) until oil pressure registers
7. Reinstall engine cover and intake components

Verification

• Start engine and verify it starts smoothly without abnormal noises, misfires, or timing-related codes
• Monitor oil pressure gauge - pressure should register immediately on startup
• Listen for timing chain noise - engine should run quietly without rattling or slapping sounds from timing area
• Check for oil or coolant leaks around timing cover, valve covers, and all reinstalled components
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify cooling system operates normally without overheating
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes - there should be no timing, camshaft, or crankshaft position sensor codes
• Perform test drive and verify normal engine performance, smooth acceleration, and proper power delivery
• Recheck oil level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Verify timing with diagnostic scan tool showing correct camshaft timing advance/retard values within specification

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