1996 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL timing sprocket alignment

[a0168090]

I am replacing the timing chain in a 1996 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL power plant.

All other engines I have worked with, and advice from all mechanics and engine rebuilders I know say the sprocket timing marks should be aligned when #1 cylinder is at TDC. The Volvo Penta Manual indicates to use #4 (see below).

I am referencing Volvo Penta Workshop Manual ?LK? Models Engine Components P/N 7797361-B 5-1997
On page 4-22, instruction step 4 for installing ?Camshaft sprocket and camshaft timing chain? indicates:

Important: Line up the sprocket alignment marks on the camshaft sprocket and crankshaft sprocket.
Note: The number 4 cylinder is at top dead center of the compression stroke with the timing marks in this position.

Is this right that timing marks are to be aligned when #4 (not #1) cylinder is at TDC on this engine?

Has anyone done this?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1996 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL timing sprocket alignment

that timing marks are to be aligned when

Ayuh,...

Are you aligning the Marks,...

Both Straight Up,..?
Or,...
Both nearest each other,..??

 

[Don S]

Re: 1996 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL timing sprocket alignment

Is this right that timing marks are to be aligned when #4 (not #1) cylinder is at TDC on this engine?

Yes, it's stated correctly. Neither the V8's nor the V6 engines are in #1 TDC on the compression stroke when the cam and crank marks are lined up.
I know a lot of guys that try it, but then find the distributor 180 out.
If you follow the manual (including the picture) you will have it right.

Below is from the OEM manual.

 

[JustJason]

Re: 1996 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL timing sprocket alignment

just line up the dot's stamped on the gears.... the cam gears dot is 6 oclock, the crank gear 12 oclock....

 

[a0168090]

Re: 1996 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL timing sprocket alignment

Thanks for the quick response.
The picture you show is exactly what I was refering to.

I got into this situation by installing a rebuilt long block. Now that I am trying to get it running, timing seems way out of sync. My bad for not checking the manual first. I assumed the builder was correct. Unforutnately the timing cover is now on so I cannot see the marks. I called the rebuilder, and they said they always align timing marks (like the picture) when #1 is in TDC compression. I suspect this may be my problem. Thanks for the confirmation.

Your reply indicates that I am probably 180 degrees out of phase. So, I have another question. Can I compensate by installing the distributor 180 degrees out? Or, is my only solution to reinstall the timing chain?

Any advice appreciated.

Thankfully this is not an interference engine or I would be starting over.

 

[Don S]

Re: 1996 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL timing sprocket alignment

You do not need to know where the cam and crank marks are to find #1TDC on the Compression stroke.

Before you install the distributor, consult your OEM service manual on how to locate #1 TDC on the compression stroke, then install the distributor so the rotor is pointing to where they show it should be. You can put it anyplace you want, you just have to change the plug wires to match.

 

[JustJason]

Re: 1996 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL timing sprocket alignment

If the cam gear is at 6, and the crank gear at 12 oclock.... and the dots match perfectly... that's all you really need to know.
The gears only fit on the cam and crank 1 way, so it's impossible to screw up.
You don't even need to know what cylinder is on what compression stroke.... it just doesn't matter. Its really just useless extra information that doesn't matter.

Are you having any issues with this motor running or something.

GMs are easy to to a t-chain on..... try doing one solo on a quad cam boxer motor without the special tool to lock the cam sprockets in place..... now that's fun

 

[a0168090]

Re: 1996 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL timing sprocket alignment

Thanks All,
I understand. I will find #1 TDC compression, then stab distributor and connect plug wires accordingly.

For setting initial timing I see I need adapter Volvo Penta P/N 885163-6.
I do not have this and I cannot find an online seller, or a local seller with it in stock.

Can I workaround by jumping pin 3 and 4, then connect pin 2 to +12V, leaving pin 1 unconnected (assuming connector pins are ordered "1 2 3 4" left to right)

 

[Don S]

Re: 1996 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL timing sprocket alignment

Here is how the shunt is wired.

You should also read this thread on setting the timing.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=271407

 

[a0168090]

Re: 1996 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL timing sprocket alignment

Thanks,
Good info. Scary that manual has incorrect procedure for when to connect +12V.

Lastly, I have Volvo Penta sea water pump P/N 3851700. How do i find the right impeller?

 

[MikDee]

Re: 1996 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL timing sprocket alignment

Note, if you line up the timing gear marks as Don said, or the manual shows, On the small block Chevy. the engine is set to fire on Cyl. #4 (for the V6), Or Cyl.#6 (for the V8), Just drop your distributor in with the rotor facing (Cyl.#4, for the V6), Or (Cyl.#6, for the V8), using the same alignment marks you made on the intake manifold, & distributor base (You did mark it before you took it out right? ). If you accidently put your distrbutor in facing Cyl.#1, at this time, don't panic, just first line up your crank timing marks, then pull out the distributor, and give the rotor 1/2 a turn (180*), and drop it back in, it should set things right.

I finally figured this fact out, after putting my 5th cam in a small block Chevy, approx. 10yrs apart each time

If you want to get technical, put the crank gear mark straight up, and the cam gear mark straight up, both at (12 noon) position, then using a good straight edge, or plumbline to line them up, and your engine will be set to fire on Cyl. #1! (But this is usually too much of a hassle ).

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1996 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL timing sprocket alignment

If you want to get technical, put the crank gear mark straight up, and the cam gear mark straight up, both at (12 noon) position, then using a good straight edge, or plumbline to line them up, and your engine will be set to fire on Cyl. #1!

Ayuh,... Which is Why I asked my question above....

 

[a0168090]

Re: 1996 Volvo Penta 4.3L GL timing sprocket alignment

Thanks to all for your advice.

I located #1 compression TDC and found rotor was pointing to #4, 180 degrees out. I restabbed the distributor pointing to #1 and it fired right up.