Why does a ntiming chain need to be replaced after it slips? or can you just set it back?

When fitting a new chain, line up the sprockets with the timing marks as shown in the workshop manual.

did you attempt to line up marks to see if indeed the chain skipped?

You could scribe marks from your old balancer once it is off the engine. But I would not worry about it anyway because the balancer is keyed and cant be put on wrong.

22R 4 cyl.Get # 1 piston to TDC(stick the harmonic balancer back on temporary)setting the mark to O on the timing tab,pull the balancer back off and slip the chain on the crank gear after finding the single dot on the chain.Set the mark on the cam gear at very top and put the chain mark on that mark on the cam gear.Stick the cam gear back on the cam and bolt it back on.Your set now.

Causes may include:

• Timing chain stretched, or timing belt skipped a tooth due to wear
• Misalignment of timing belt/chain
• Tone ring on crankshaft slipped/broken
• Tone ring on camshaft slipped/broken
• Bad crank sensor
• Bad cam sensor
• Damaged wiring to crank/cam sensor
• Timing belt/chain tensioner damaged

1. First, visually inspect the cam and crank sensors and their harnesses for damage. If you notice broken/frayed wires, repair and recheck.
2. If you have access to a scope, check the cam and crank patterns. If a pattern is missing, suspect a bad sensor or a slipping tone ring. Remove the cam gear and the crankshaft harmonic balancer and inspect the tone rings for proper alignment and make sure they're not loose or damaged or that they haven't sheared the key that aligns them. If they are properly installed, replace the sensor.
3. If the signal appears normal, then check the timing chain/belt for proper alignment. If it's misaligned, check for a damaged tensioner that may have allowed the chain/belt to slip a tooth or several teeth. Also check that the belt/chain isn't stretched. Repair and recheck

The timing is not adjustable. You must get the system scanned for codes to diagnose this problem.

your most likely 180 out on crank shaft vaves are hitting piston

Check the vehicle manual for recommended mileage for replacing the timing chain.Locate the timing chain,you will need to replace it if the automatic chain adjuster "also known as the tensioner " is damage or worn.Drain the cooling system and disengage the negative battery cable.Undo the spark plug wires and set the No.1 piston at Top Dead Center ( TDC ) of the compression stroke. Disconnect the engine undercover,vacuum and fuel hoses,harness and connectors,drive belts, power steering reservoir,alternator and bracelet,upper radiator hose and,air doct,front exhaust tube,intake manifold collector supports,collector and exhaust manifold and distributor.Prop up the oil can and take out the front engine mounting,the valve cover and camshaft sprockets,cam bearing caps and camshafts,cylinder head bolts, cam sprocket cover,upper chain tensioner,chain guide and the chain,idler sprocket bolt,cylinder head,intake manifold and cylinder head gasket and the steel oil pan. Place a steel cutter between the steel and aluminum oil pans.Slip the cutter around the the edge of the oil pan and disengage the steel oil pan,baffle plate,oil strainer and front tube. Secure the vehicle on jack stands and place a seal cutter between the oil pan and the cylinder block,slip the cutter around the edge of the oil pan.

Special tools are needed to set up cam timing, so if it was off you couldnt tell. Have a repair shop that you trust (stay away from chain stores) check it out, and recommend repairs.

Yes you can just replace the chain, I would not recommend it. Even if it is not obvious, the gears are also worn and have undergone all the stresses that stretched the chain, they may be ready to go soon, why take the chance, the engine has to be torn down to the same point to replace the chain as to replace the gears. I would replace all with a timing gear/chain set and install all new gaskets as it went back together. A timing gear failure could cost you a couple valves and/or pistons when it fails (piston on its way up with a valve stopped at full open when the gear broke).

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