How to remove the timing chain plate - Cavalier Chevrolet Cars & Trucks

TDC related to piston one and should be as such.

double posted but this time the CAM pops up.
why not read the FSM first. ? linked below.
or alldata.com . log in and read.

here ill do a paste from JUST install PART chapter.
you are doing ALL THAT book free, REALLY?
https://www.techauthority.com/en-US/Pages/Home.aspx

1. Using a vise, lightly compress the secondary chain tensioner piston until the piston step is flush with the tensioner body. Using a pin or suitable tool, release ratchet pawl by pulling pawl back against spring force through access hole on side of tensioner.
2. While continuing to hold pawl back, Push ratchet device to approximately 2 mm from the tensioner body. Install Special Tool 8514 lock pin into hole on front of tensioner. Slowly open vise to transfer piston spring force to lock pin.
3. Position primary chain tensioner over oil pump and insert bolts into lower two holes on tensioner bracket. Tighten bolts to 250 inch lbs. (28 Nm).
4. Install right side chain tensioner arm. Install Torx®bolt. Tighten Torx®bolt to 250 inch lbs. (28 Nm). CAUTION The silver bolts retain the guides to the cylinder heads and the black bolts retain the guides to the engine block.
5. Install the left side chain guide. Tighten the bolts to 250 inch lbs. (28 Nm).
6. Install left side chain tensioner arm, and Torx®bolt. Tighten Torx®bolt to 250 inch lbs. (28 Nm).
7. Install the right side chain guide. Tighten the bolts to 250 inch lbs. (28 Nm).
8. Install both secondary chains onto the idler sprocket. Align two plated links on the secondary chains to be visible through the two lower openings on the idler sprocket (4 o'clock and 8 o'clock). Once the secondary timing chains are installed, position special tool 8429 to hold chains in place for installation.
9. Align primary chain double plated links with the timing mark at 12 o'clock on the idler sprocket.
10. Align the primary chain single plated link with the timing mark at 6 o'clock on the crankshaft sprocket.
11. Lubricate idler shaft and bushings with clean engine oil. NOTE The idler sprocket must be timed to the counterbalance shaft drive gear before the idler sprocket is fully seated.
12. Install all chains, crankshaft sprocket, and idler sprocket as an assembly . After guiding both secondary chains through the block and cylinder head openings, affix chains with a elastic strap or equivalent. This will maintain tension on chains to aid in installation. Align the timing mark on the idler sprocket gear to the timing mark on the counterbalance shaft drive gear, then seat idler sprocket fully . Before installing idler sprocket bolt, lubricate washer with oil, and tighten idler sprocket assembly retaining bolt to 25 ft. lbs. (34 Nm). NOTE It will be necessary to slightly rotate camshafts for sprocket installation.
13. Align left camshaft sprocket "L" dot to plated link on chain.
14. Align right camshaft sprocket "R" dot to plated link on chain. CAUTION Remove excess oil from the camshaft sprocket bolt. Failure to do so can result in over torque of bolt resulting in bolt failure.
15. Remove Special Tool 8429, then attach both sprockets to camshafts. Remove excess oil from bolts, then Install sprocket bolts, but do not tighten at this time.
16. Verify that all plated links are aligned with the marks on all sprockets and the "V6" marks on camshaft sprockets are at the 12 o'clock position. CAUTION Ensure the plate between the left secondary chain tensioner and block is correctly installed.
17. Install both secondary chain tensioners. Tighten bolts to 250 inch lbs. (28 Nm). NOTE Left and right secondary chain tensioners are not common.
18. Remove all locking pins from tensioners. CAUTION After pulling locking pins out of each tensioner, DO NOT manually extend the tensioner(s) ratchet. Doing so will over tension the chains, resulting in noise and/or high timing chain loads.
19. Using Special Tool 6958, Spanner with Adaptor Pins 8346, tighten left and right . camshaft sprocket bolts to 90 ft. lbs. (122 Nm).
20. Rotate engine two full revolutions. Verify timing marks are at the follow locations: ² primary chain idler sprocket dot is at 12 o'clock ² primary chain crankshaft sprocket dot is at 6 o'clock ² secondary chain camshaft sprockets "V6" marks are at 12 o'clock ² counter balancer shaft drive gear dot is aligned to the idler sprocket gear dot.
21. Lubricate all three chains with engine oil.
22. After installing all chains, it is recommended that the idler gear end play be checked. The end play must be within mm 0.004-0.010 inches (0.10-0.25). If not within specification, the idler gear must be replaced.
23. Install timing chain cover and crankshaft damper.
24. Install cylinder head covers. NOTE Before installing threaded plug in right cylinder head, the plug must be coated with sealant to prevent leaks.
25. Coat the large threaded access plug with Mopar® Thread Sealant with Teflon, then install into the right cylinder head and tighten to 60 ft. lbs. (81 Nm).
26. Install the oil fill housing.
27. Install access plug in left cylinder head.
28. Install power steering pump.
29. Fill cooling system.
30. Connect negative cable to battery.

2001 , no such ani-mule !
"Introduced for the 2002 model year as a replacement for the Cherokee (XJ),"
you meant manufactures date not model and reg. date. sure.
2002 !
3.7L V6 (cop spark ) chain drive cams....
timing ( cam or spark?)
"Ignition timing is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). No adjustment is possible"
so Cam timing (alldata.com covers this in detail)
why not post the context, Im doing what.?
im doing a 60k belt swap
or it slipped. or think id did.
or just put in a new head or cam? see , context is 100% important.
im here, going to there.....
im on line, and it shows 4 engines, i think that is wrong, but...

you must be asking chain cam sprocket timing.
im at alldata.com (or FSM)
there are 37 install steps, im not sure what step you want me
to pluck out. but here is my guess. step 8 ,9,10

1. Install both secondary chains onto the idler sprocket. Align two plated links on the secondary chains to be visible through the two lower openings on the idler sprocket (4 o'clock and 8 o'clock). Once the secondary timing chains are installed, position special tool 8429 to hold chains in place for installation.
2. Align primary chain double plated links with the timing mark at 12 o'clock on the idler sprocket.
3. Align the primary chain single plated link with the timing mark at 6 o'clock on the crankshaft sprocket.

step 12:
Install all chains, crankshaft sprocket, and idler sprocket as an assembly . After guiding both secondary chains through the block and cylinder head openings, affix chains with a elastic strap or equivalent. This will maintain tension on chains to aid in installation. Align the timing mark on the idler sprocket gear to the timing mark on the counterbalance shaft drive gear, then seat idler sprocket fully . Before installing idler sprocket bolt, lubricate washer with oil, and tighten idler sprocket assembly retaining bolt to 25 ft. lbs. (34 Nm).

step 13:

1. Align left camshaft sprocket "L" dot to plated link on chain.
2. Align right camshaft sprocket "R" dot to plated link on chain.

step 15/16

1. Remove Special Tool 8429, then attach both sprockets to camshafts. Remove excess oil from bolts, then Install sprocket bolts, but do not tighten at this time.
2. Verify that all plated links are aligned with the marks on all sprockets and the "V6" marks on camshaft sprockets are at the 12 o'clock position.

do ask questions, or login to alldata.com or mitchels
or get a real FSM.
its nothing trivial.

in fact get the book before the job. so are perpared.

Did you take pictures while removing the originals? It's always a good habit. Below are the instructions you need to follow. Your own pics are very helpful when doing a big job like this.

1. Disconnect negative battery (1) cable.
2. Drain cooling system.
3. Remove upper intake manifold.
4. Remove cylinder head covers, crankshaft vibration damper, and timing chain cover.

CAUTION: When aligning timing marks, always rotate engine by turning the crankshaft. Failure to do so will result in valve and/or piston damage.

1. Align crankshaft sprocket timing mark to mark on oil pump housing (2). The mark on oil pump housing is 600 ATDC of #1 cylinder.

CAUTION: When the timing chain is removed and the cylinder heads are still installed, DO NOT rotate the camshafts or crankshaft without first locating the proper crankshaft position. Failure to do so will result in valve and/or piston damage.

1. Remove primary timing chain tensioner retainer cap (2) and tensioner (1) from right cylinder head.

1. Disconnect and remove camshaft position sensor (4) from left cylinder head.
2. Remove timing chain guide access plugs (3) from cylinder heads.

NOTE: When camshaft sprocket bolts are removed, the camshafts will rotate in a clockwise direction.

1. Starting with the right camshaft sprocket, remove the sprocket attaching bolts. Remove camshaft damper (1) (if equipped) and sprocket.
2. Remove left side camshaft sprocket attaching bolts and remove sprocket.
3. Remove lower chain guide (7) and tensioner arm (8).
4. Remove the primary timing chain (5).
5. Remove crankshaft sprocket (6).

INSTALLATION

1. Inspect all sprockets (4,9,11) and chain guides (2,5,10). Replace if worn.
2. For crankshaft sprocket installation procedures Refer to CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET.
3. If removed, install right and left side short chain guides (11). Tighten attaching bolts to 28 Nm (250 inch lbs.) .
4. Align crankshaft sprocket timing mark to the mark on oil pump housing (3).

NOTE: Lubricate timing chain and guides with engine oil before installation.

1. Place left side primary chain sprocket onto the chain so that the timing mark is located in-between the two (plated) timing links (1).

1. Lower the primary chain with left side sprocket through the left cylinder head opening.

NOTE: The camshaft sprockets can be allowed to float on the camshaft hub during installation.

1. Loosely position left side camshaft sprocket over camshaft hub.
2. Align timing (plated) link to the crankshaft sprocket timing mark (3).
3. Position primary chain onto water pump drive sprocket (10).
4. Align right camshaft sprocket timing mark to the timing (plated) link on the timing chain (8) and loosely position over camshaft hub.
5. Verify that all chain timing (plated) links are properly aligned to the timing marks on all sprockets.
6. Install left side lower chain guide (2) and tensioner arm (5). Tighten attaching bolts to 28 Nm (250 inch lbs.) .

NOTE: Inspect O-ring on chain guide access plugs before installing. Replace O-ring as necessary.

1. Install chain guide access plugs to cylinder heads. Tighten plugs to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) .

NOTE: To reset the primary timing chain tensioner, engine oil will first need to be purged from the tensioner.

1. Purge oil from timing chain tensioner using the following procedure:

1. Place the check ball (2) end of tensioner into the shallow end of Special Tool 8186 (3).
2. Using hand pressure, slowly depress tensioner until oil is purged from tensioner.

1. Reset timing chain tensioner using the following procedure:

1. Position cylinder plunger (4) into the deeper end of Special Tool 8186 (3).
2. Apply a downward force until tensioner is reset.

NOTE: If oil was not first purged from the tensioner, use slight finger pressure to assist the center arm pin of Special Tool 8186 to unseat the tensioner's check ball.

CAUTION: Ensure the tensioner is properly reset. The tensioner body (4) must bottom against the top edge of Special Tool 8186 (3). Failure to properly perform the resetting procedure may cause tensioner jamming.

NOTE: Inspect the tensioner O-ring (2) for nicks or cuts and make sure the snap ring (1) is correctly installed, replace as necessary.

1. Install the reset chain tensioner (1) into the right cylinder head.
2. Position tensioner retaining plate (2) and tighten bolts (1) to 12 Nm (105 inch lbs.) .

1. Starting at the right cylinder bank, first position the camshaft damper (1) (if equipped) on camshaft hub, then insert a 3/8 square drive extension with a breaker bar into intake camshaft drive hub. Rotate camshaft until the camshaft hub aligns to the camshaft sprocket and damper attaching holes. Install the sprocket attaching bolts and tighten to 28 Nm (250 inch lbs.) .
2. Turn the left side camshaft by inserting a 3/8 square drive extension with a breaker bar into intake camshaft drive hub and rotate camshaft until the sprocket attaching bolts can be installed. Tighten sprocket bolts to 28 Nm (250 inch lbs.).
3. Rotate engine slightly clockwise to remove timing chain slack, if necessary.

1. Activate the timing chain tensioner by using a flat bladed pry tool to gently pry tensioner arm towards the tensioner slightly. Then release the tensioner arm. Verify the tensioner is activated (extends).

1. Install camshaft position sensor (2) and connect electrical connector.
2. Install the timing chain cover, crankshaft vibration damper, and cylinder head covers.
3. Install upper intake manifold.

NOTE: After installation of a reset tensioner, engine noise will occur after initial start-up. This noise will normally disappear within 5-10 seconds.

1. Fill cooling system.

I have just spent $1500.00 to fix this low oil pressure problem. The main cost was having the timing chain replaced and where the oil pressure problem was found. The low oil pressure problem is caused by a bad gasket that is under a plate inside the timing chain cover. The dealer wanted to replace the whole housing as Nissan dose not offer a new gasket and wants you to replace the inner timing chain housing. The plate covers part of the oil gallery, the gasket breaks out from this plate and that is where the oil pressure goes. The gasket can be replaced by removing the plate and making a new gasket. Note getting to the plate inside the timing cover is a major labor issue that takes about 12 hours to complete start to finish. I had to fabricate the gasket my self as the dealer would not. Cost for fixing the bad gasket was about $17.00 for materials. Replacing the timing chain was at my request as it was making noise.

Timing Chain and Gears REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 1.9L Engine NOTE: The following procedure requires the use of the puller tool No. J-25031 or equivalent, and timing sprocket installation tool No. J-26587 or equivalent.

1. Remove the timing (front) cover from the engine.
2. Lock the shoe on the automatic adjuster in fully retracted position by depressing the adjuster lock lever. NOTE: To remove the timing chain, it may be necessary to remove the camshaft sprocket. Before removing the timing chain, be sure to align the timing marks.
   
3. Remove timing chain from crankshaft sprocket.
4. Check the timing sprockets for wear or damage. If crankshaft sprocket must be replaced, remove the sprocket and the pinion gear from crankshaft using the puller tool No. J-25031 or equivalent.
5. Check timing chain for wear or damage; replace as necessary. Measure distance "L'' (40 links) with the chain stretched with a pull of approximately 22 lbs. (98N). Standard "L'' value is 15 in. (381mm); replace chain if "L'' is greater than 15.16 in. (385mm).
6. Remove the automatic chain adjuster-to-engine bolt and the adjuster.
7. To check the operation of the automatic chain adjuster, push the shoe inwards, if it becomes locked, the adjuster is working properly. The adjuster assembly must be replaced if rack teeth are found to be worn excessively.
8. To remove the chain tensioner, remove the "E'' clip and the tensioner. Check the tensioner for wear or damage; if necessary, replace it. Fig. 1: Timing chain guide and tensioner - 1.9L engine
   
   
9. Inspect the tensioner pin for wear or damage. If replacement is necessary, remove the pin from the cylinder block using a pair of locking pliers. Lubricate the NEW pin tensioner with clean engine oil. Start the pin into block, then place the tensioner over the appropriate pin. Position the E-clip onto the pin, then (using a hammer) tap it into the block until clip just clears tensioner. Check the tensioner and adjuster for freedom of rotation on the pins.
10. Inspect the guide for wear or damage and plugged lower oil jet. If replacement or cleaning is necessary, remove the guide bolts, the guide and the oil jet. Install a new guide and upper attaching bolt. Install the lower oil jet and bolt, so that the oil port is pointed toward crankshaft. To install: Fig. 2: Timing chain alignment and installation - 1.9L engine
    Fig. 3: Inspecting the timing chain for wear
    
    
11. Install the timing sprocket and the pinion gear (groove-side toward the front cover). Align the key groove with crankshaft key, then drive it into position using installation tool No. J-26587 or equivalent.
12. Turn the crankshaft so that key is turned toward the cylinder head-side (No. 1 and No. 4 pistons at TDC).
13. Install the timing chain, align the timing chain mark plate with the mark on the crankshaft timing sprocket. The side of the chain with the mark plate is on the front-side and the side of chain with the most links between mark plates is on the chain guide-side. Keep the timing chain engaged with the camshaft timing sprocket until the camshaft timing sprocket is installed on the camshaft.
14. Install the camshaft timing sprocket so that it's marked-side faces forward and it's triangular mark aligns with the chain mark plate.
15. Install the automatic chain adjuster.
16. Release the lock by depressing the shoe on adjuster by hand, and check to make certain the chain is properly tensioned when the lock is released.
17. Install the timing cover assembly.

This design has no tensioner. Check the sprockets for wear on the tips--especially the crank sprocket. With the cover off, turn the crankshaft with a socket and see how close the chain comes to slipping backward on the sprocket. There are complete replacement procedures at AutoZone.com, which I will try to paste in below.

3.3L and 3.8L Engines

See Figure 18



Fig. Fig. 18: Timing mark alignment-3.3L and 3.8L engines

1. If possible, position the engine so that the No. 1 piston is at TDC on the compression stroke. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Drain the coolant.
2. Remove the timing chain case cover. For more information, refer to the Front Timing Cover and Seal procedure, earlier in this section.
3. Remove the camshaft gear attaching cup washer and remove the timing chain with both gears attached. Remove the timing chain snubber.

To install:

1. Assemble the timing chain and gears.
2. Turn the crankshaft and camshaft to line up with the key way locations of the gears.
3. Slide both gears over their respective shafts and use a straight edge to confirm alignment.
4. Install the cup washer and camshaft bolt. Tighten the bolt to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm).
5. Check camshaft end-play. The specification with a new plate is 0.002-0.006 in. (0.051-0.052mm) and 0.002-0.010 in. (0.51-0.254mm) with a used plate. Replace the thrust plate if not within specifications.
6. Install the timing chain snubber.
7. Thoroughly clean and dry the gasket mating surfaces.
8. Install new O-rings to the block.
9. Remove the crankshaft oil seal from the cover. The seal must be removed from the cover when installing to ensure proper oil pump engagement.
10. Using a new gasket, install the chain case cover to the engine.
11. Make certain that the oil pump is engaged onto the crankshaft before proceeding, or severe engine damage will result. Install the attaching bolts and tighten to 20 ft. lbs. (27 Nm).
12. Use tool C-4992, or equivalent, to install the crankshaft oil seal. Install the crankshaft pulley using a 5.9 in. suitable bolt and thrust bearing and washer plate L-4524, or equivalent. Make sure the pulley bottoms out on the crankshaft seal diameter. Install the bolt and tighten to 40 ft. lbs. (54 Nm).
13. Install all other parts removed during the chain case cover removal procedure and fill the engine with oil.
14. Connect the negative battery cable, road test the vehicle and check for leaks.

INSTALLATION

1. Using a vise, lightly compress the secondary chain tensioner piston until the piston step is flush with the tensioner body. Using a pin or suitable tool, release ratchet pawl by pulling pawl back against spring force through access hole on side of tensioner. While continuing to hold pawl back, Push ratchet device to approximately 2 mm from the tensioner body. Install Special Tool 8514 lock pin into hole on front of tensioner. Slowly open vise to transfer piston spring force to lock pin (Resetting Secondary Chain Tensioners).
2. Position primary chain tensioner over oil pump and insert bolts into lower two holes on tensioner bracket. Tighten bolts to 28 N·m (250 in. lbs.). CAUTION: Overtightening the tensioner arm torx® bolt can cause severe damage to the cylinder head. Tighten torx® bolt to specified torque only.
   
3. Install right side chain tensioner arm. Apply Mopar® Lock N, Seal to torx® bolt, tighten bolt to 17 N·m (150 in. lbs.). NOTE: The silver bolts retain the guides to the cylinder heads and the black bolts retain the guides to the engine block.
   
4. Install the left side chain guide. Tighten the bolts to 28 N·m (250 in. lbs.). CAUTION: Overtightening the tensioner arm torx® bolt can cause severe damage to the cylinder head. Tighten torx® bolt to specified torque only.
   
5. Install left side chain tensioner arm. Apply Mopar® Lock N, Seal to torx® bolt, tighten bolt to 17 N·m (150 in. lbs.).
6. Install the right side chain guide. Tighten the bolts to 28 N·m (250 in. lbs.).
7. Install both secondary chains onto the idler sprocket. Align two plated links on the secondary chains to be visible through the two lower openings on the idler sprocket (4 o'clock and 8 o'clock). Once the secondary timing chains are installed, position special tool 8515 to hold chains in place for installation (Installing Secondary Timing Chains on Idler Sprocket).
8. Align primary chain double plated links with the timing mark at 12 o'clock on the idler sprocket. Align the primary chain single plated link with the timing mark at 6 o'clock on the crankshaft sprocket (Timing Chain System).
9. Lubricate idler shaft and bushings with clean engine oil.
10. Install all chains, crankshaft sprocket, and idler sprocket as an assembly (Installing Idler Gear, Primary and Secondary Timing Chains). After guiding both secondary chains through the block and cylinder head openings, affix chains with a elastic strap or the equivalent, This will maintain tension on chains to aid in installation. NOTE: It will be necessary to slightly rotate camshafts for sprocket installation.
    
11. Align left camshaft sprocket “L” dot to plated link on chain.
12. Align right camshaft sprocket “R” dot to plated link on chain. CAUTION: Remove excess oil from the camshaft sprocket bolt. Failure to do so can result in over-torque of bolt resulting in bolt failure.
    
13. Remove Special Tool 8515, then attach both sprockets to camshafts. Remove excess oil from bolts, then Install sprocket bolts, but do not tighten at this time.
14. Verify that all plated links are aligned with the marks on all sprockets and the “V8” marks on camshaft sprockets are at the 12 o'clock position (Timing Chain System). CAUTION: Ensure the plate between the left secondary chain tensioner and block is correctly installed.
    
15. Install both secondary chain tensioners. Tighten bolts to 28 N·m (250 in. lbs.). NOTE: Left and right secondary chain tensioners are not common.
    
16. Before installing idler sprocket bolt, lubricate washer with oil, and tighten idler sprocket assembly retaining bolt to 34 N·m (25 ft. lbs.).
17. Remove all locking pins (3) from tensioners. CAUTION: After pulling locking pins out of each tensioner, DO NOT manually extend the tensioner(s) ratchet. Doing so will over tension the chains, resulting in noise and/or high timing chain loads.
    
18. Using Special Tool 6958, Spanner with Adaptor Pins 8346, tighten left (Tightening Left Side Camshaft Sprocket Bolt) and right (Tightening Right Side Camshaft Sprocket Bolt). camshaft sprocket bolts to 122 N·m (90 ft. lbs.).
19. Rotate engine two full revolutions. Verify timing marks are at the follow locations:
    • primary chain idler sprocket dot is at 12 o'clock (Timing Chain System)
    • primary chain crankshaft sprocket dot is at 6 o'clock (Timing Chain System)
    • secondary chain camshaft sprockets “V8” marks are at 12 o'clock (Timing Chain System)
20. Lubricate all three chains with engine oil.
21. After installing all chains, it is recommended that the idler gear end play be checked (Measuring Idler Gear End Play). The end play must be within 0.10–0.25 mm (0.004–0.010 in.). If not within specification, the idler gear must be replaced.
22. Install timing chain cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S) - INSTALLATION) and crankshaft damper (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER - INSTALLATION).
23. Install cylinder head covers (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S) - INSTALLATION). NOTE: Before installing threaded plug in right cylinder head, the plug must be coated with sealant to prevent leaks.
    
24. Coat the large threaded access plug with Mopar® Thread Sealant with Teflon, then install into the right cylinder head and tighten to 81 N·m (60 ft. lbs.) (Cylinder Head Access Plug Location).
25. Install the oil fill housing.
26. Install access plug in left cylinder head (Cylinder Head Access Plug Location).
27. Install power steering pump (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - INSTALLATION).
28. Install radiator fan shroud.
29. Fill cooling system (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
30. Connect negative cable to battery.

It's a pain to get out I just did mine belt and water pump it took about 3 times as long as I thought.
Make sure all the bolts are loose, make sure you have removed the tranmission mount as it gives you more room to move the engine. It's suggest you take the exhaust off as well as you can damage it if you jack the engine up too high. Lossen the bolts on the motor mount across from that plate, you will not be able to remove the motor mount but you can spin it allowing you to get that big plate out.

PM dhirst on ptcrew.com if you want some pics or more instructions.

you need to drop the sub-frame. thats the only way