The Ecotec engine engine is quite sensitive to timing belt adjustment.
If you insist on doing the job yourself, make certain that you use the proper tool.
The Ecotec timing belt tool holds the crankshaft and all 4 camshafts into position while the mechanic replaces the timing belt.
The tool and timing belt costs almost the same as having your local dealer replace the belt for you, and if THEY mess up the job, they'll have to replace the belt for you.
Hint!
Replace the serpentine belt, water pump and possibly the idler pulley while you have that part of the engine opened up.
You'll need to remove the covers, pull the serpentine belt, and it will be a lot easier if you pull the passenger side tire and fender cover.
Chain
The SC2 is an 'S' series Saturn, and all 4 cylinder engines of the S series Saturn's used a timing CHAIN rather than a timing belt.
The 4 cylinder Saturn engines used an "Oil bath" timing chain. The V6 Saturn engines used an "external" timing belt.
You don't - its all done by the PCM (computer). Eric
The V6 engine in a LS2 has a timing belt with replacement intervals at 100k miles
All 1991-2002 Saturn S-series cars have a timing chain. The Ecotec 2.2 and 2.4 L engines also have a chain.BUT!!!The V6 engines all have timing BELTS.
The oil pump is ran off the crank and is in the timing cover which requires removing the valve cover and timing cover. Not recommended for the novice mechanic.
Timing chains are designed to last the life of the vehicle. They are normally replaced during a complete engine overhaul.
No - the 2000 Sentra has a timing chain. No - the 2000 Sentra has a timing chain.
It should be replaced when it begins making a noticeable noise.
Yes.The good news is, the timing chain seldom breaks; they aren't like the timing belts. You can typically just drive the vehicle until the engine is tired, then replace the timing chain, sprockets and tensioner slides while you're rebuilding the rest of the engine.The bad news is, anything is possible and a timing chain CAN break.The "L" series uses a timing belt for the V6 engine, but the 4 cylinder Saturn engines all use timing chains.
The timing is controlled by the vehicle's computer. There is no need to adjust it during normal maintenance. I don't believe that it is possible to adjust the timing on that vehicle. I think that it was set and sealed at time of manufacture. Safest thing is to check with the dealer.