When you have the dots lined up on the timing gears (cam at 6 o'clock and crank at 12 o'clock) are you supposed to be at top dead center on compression stroke on the #1 cylinder?

 

I am reading now that it should be at TDC compression stroke on the #6 cylinder(with the dots lined up at 12 and 6 o'clock). The forum I was reading was referring to a 97 318. Would this be the same for a 2001 5.9L?

 

Here ya go:

INSTALLATION

(1) Place both camshaft sprocket and crankshaft
sprocket on the bench with timing marks on exact
imaginary center line through both camshaft and
crankshaft bores.
(2) Place timing chain around both sprockets.
(3) Turn crankshaft and camshaft to line up with
keyway location in crankshaft sprocket and in camshaft
sprocket.
(4) Lift sprockets and chain (keep sprockets tight
against the chain in position as described).
(5) Slide both sprockets evenly over their respective
shafts and use a straightedge to check alignment
of timing marks (Fig. 75).
(6) Install the camshaft bolt. Tighten the bolt to 68
N·m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Check camshaft end play. The end play should
be 0.051-0.152 mm (0.002-0.006 inch) with a new
thrust plate and up to 0.254 mm (0.010 inch) with a
used thrust plate. If not within these limits install a
new thrust plate.
(8) Install the timing chain cover

According to the diagram the marks are at 6 o'clock on the cam and 12 on the crank

 

That doesn't answer the question, though it is very helpful. I've never done a chain or belt for that matter, without using the #1 TDC. Although it is possible to do it with the #6 IIRC, I'd rather know for sure.

 

It really doesnt matter, turn the engine with the old sprockets on there till they line up at these positions. Take them off and put the new ones on at the exact same position. If you dont feel confident doing it, when you get it done turn the engine over by hand and make sure the timing marks line up at TDC. It will be way off if you are off by one tooth. When replacing timing chains/belts not all vehicles are done at No. 1 TDC. If you are really worried about it, make a mark on the actual cam shaft and crank where the timing mark is supposed to be and then take the old ones off. You will know if you get it on there wrong.

 

Thanks for the info. I always thought too that it should be at TDC on #1, but mine when you line the dots up its at TDC #6. I was reading an article about the small block chevy and the guy was saying that the chevy lines up at #6 also. But if you were to pull the distributer you had to set it at TDC #1 (both dots at 12 o'clock.)

My truck is lining up at TDC #6. (Nothing was moved on the engine while I was changing the chain, so it should be okay.)

Thanks and I will post tomorrow and let all of you know how it turns out!

 

Timing chains are too easy, Just make sure that you check it like I said, by turning it over and making sure with that the timing marks line up at TDC. If they are off, then something moved. This is esp. important if your chain was really worn out. Check twice, and when you fire it up she will run like a top!

 

It's lining up at TDC, but the #1 piston is on TDC on the exhaust stroke and #6 is TDC on the compression stroke.

 

I went to the Haynes website and found a forum there ( http://www.haynes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1409
)

The "expert" there said:

"I think I know what the problem is. First of all, I can't find in the manual where it claims that the number one cylinder should be at TDC when the cam and crank sprocket marks are aligned as shown in illustration 10.19. Actually, that's when cylinder no. 6 is at TDC on its compression stroke. If you would have left the distributor alone and put everything back together, it would have started (provided everything else is in order). The procedure in the book works whether or not the chain has broken, as long as the distributor isn't removed.

So, to get things timed right, you have two options. One is to put your distributor back in with the rotor pointing to the no. 6 terminal (with the cam and crank marks aligned as in illustration 10.19). The other is to align the marks as in ill. 10.19 then turn the crankshaft one complete revolution so the crank and cam marks are both at 12 o'clock, then install the distributor with the rotor pointing to no. 1 terminal.

Hope this gets you running again. If you need any further assistance, contact one of our tech service reps at research@haynes.com or 1-800-4-HAYNES."

 

Your engine was correctly timed. Don't pull the disty! With cam 6:00 and crank 12:00, you are at #6 TDC. Turn the crank 1 rev clockwise and that's #1 TDC. If you aligned the marks (6:00 and 12:00) before you took it apart and moved nothing while it's apart, then install the chain set dot to dot like you took it off.