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Ravon Nexia R3 1.5 B15D2 (2021): Timing Chain Replacement

The B15D2 engine uses a timing chain drive designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement is specified, but the chain must be replaced if it has stretched (symptoms: rattling at startup, hesitation under acceleration) or at mileage over 120,000-150,000 km. The job is labor-intensive: it requires removing the engine front cover, the oil pan and the valve cover.

Difficulty: Hard Time: 6-8 hours Steps: 22 Tools: Socket and wrench set (10-19 mm), torque wrench, pulley puller, jack, jack stands, containers for draining oil and coolant, gasket sealant (red anaerobic), new valve cover gasket

Part

  • 🔩 Timing chain GM 25187737 (OE or aftermarket SWAG/Febi/FA1). Chain tensioner GM 23859663. Chain guide. Kit (chain, tensioner, damper, guide). Valve cover gasket. Gasket sealant for the oil pan and front cover

Step by step

22 steps
  1. Park the vehicle on level ground, raise the front end with a jack and support it on jack stands. Remove the engine undercover.
  2. Drain the engine oil through the oil pan drain plug and drain the coolant from the radiator into suitable containers.
  3. Remove the accessory drive belt. Remove the power steering pump together with its bracket (13-17 mm bolts) and move it aside without disconnecting the hoses.
  4. Remove the valve cover bolts (10 mm socket) and take off the cover together with the old gasket.
  5. Remove the oil pan (10 mm bolts around the perimeter). Note: two bolts that secure the oil pan to the transmission are hidden behind rubber plugs and are easy to miss. The pan is sealed with sealant, so separate it carefully with a scraper.
  6. Turn the crankshaft clockwise until the mark on the camshaft pulley lines up with the mark on the housing. Lock the crankshaft against rotation (select 4th gear or lock the flywheel through the starter opening).
  7. Remove the bolts securing the engine front cover and take the cover off. It is also sealed with sealant, so work carefully.
  8. Remove the chain tensioner bolt and the tensioner bracket. Remove the tensioner.
  9. Remove the chain guide bolts and take out the guide.
  10. Remove the timing chain from the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets. Inspect the sprockets for wear (worn teeth, grooves).
  11. Fit the new chain onto the sprockets. Align the copper-colored (copper-plated) chain links with the marks on the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets. This is critical for correct valve timing.
  12. Install the new chain guide and tighten its bolts to 8-10 N·m (6-7 lb-ft).
  13. Install the new chain tensioner and tighten its bolt to 20-25 N·m (15-18 lb-ft). The tensioner is automatic and activates when the engine is first started.
  14. Turn the crankshaft by hand through two full revolutions and make sure the marks line up. If the marks do not line up, reposition the chain.
  15. Clean the mating surfaces of the front cover, oil pan and block of any old sealant. Apply new sealant (red anaerobic, 1-2 mm bead) to the mating surfaces of the cover and the oil pan.
  16. Install the engine front cover and tighten its bolts in a crisscross pattern to 10-12 N·m (7-9 lb-ft).
  17. Install the oil pan and tighten the perimeter bolts to 8-10 N·m (6-7 lb-ft), starting from the center and working toward the edges. Do not forget the two hidden bolts to the transmission.
  18. Fit the new gasket on the valve cover, install the cover and tighten the bolts to 8-10 N·m (6-7 lb-ft).
  19. Install the power steering pump with its bracket and fit and tension the accessory drive belt.
  20. Fill with engine oil (3.75 L (4.0 qt) for the B15D2) and coolant (6.2 L (6.6 qt) for the cooling system).
  21. Start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes. Check for oil and coolant leaks at the oil pan, front cover and valve cover.
  22. Shut off the engine, check the oil level with the dipstick and top up to the MAX mark if necessary.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • If the marks are misaligned when installing the chain, the pistons will collide with the valves and cause expensive engine damage. Working with sealant requires care: excess sealant can get into the oil passages and clog the oil pickup screen. If you have no experience working on valvetrain components, leave the job to a professional. At mileage over 200,000 km, it is recommended to replace the water pump at the same time as the chain, since it is easily accessible during this job.
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