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Renault Talisman 1.6 dCi 130 (2017): Timing Chain Replacement

The R9M 1.6 dCi engine uses a chain-driven timing system (intake camshaft), and the exhaust camshaft is driven by a gear from the intake camshaft. The scheduled chain service life is 200,000 km, but in practice stretching shows up by 150,000 km. Replacement requires a special tool to lock the shafts at TDC, complete removal of the front end of the car (bumper, headlights, bumper reinforcement beam), removal of the starter, and installation of the new components with the timing marks correctly aligned.

Difficulty: Hard Time: 8-12 hours Steps: 15 Tools: camshaft locking tool (Renault MOT 1969 or equivalent), crankshaft locking pin (pin length 47 mm), torque wrench, socket and wrench set, crankshaft seal installer, sealant for the timing cover

Part

  • 🔩 Renault 130C10990R (timing chain kit, 9 pieces: chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets). Alternatives: Dayco KTC1125. Additionally: timing cover Renault 135027147R (replacement recommended, since the old one usually leaks), crankshaft seal Renault 7701476858 or Victor Reinz 813851800, gasket Victor Reinz 703141410, sealant VR 703141410
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes AutoFix (online). See manuals →

Step by step

15 steps
  1. Raise the car on a lift or place it on jack stands. Remove the front bumper, headlights and bumper reinforcement beam (for access to the timing cover from the front).
  2. Remove the right front wheel, engine undertray and wheel arch liner. Remove the accessory drive belt.
  3. Remove the starter (three mounting bolts) to access the block hole for the crankshaft locking pin.
  4. Turn the crankshaft to TDC of cylinder 1, aligning the mark on the crankshaft pulley with the mark on the block. Install the crankshaft locking pin through the starter opening (pin length 47 mm). This is critical for setting the injection timing correctly.
  5. Lock the camshafts with the special tool Renault MOT 1969 (or equivalent) through the holes in the shaft ends.
  6. Release the chain tensioner, remove the old chain, and remove the guides, the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets, and the tensioner.
  7. Clean the mating surfaces of old sealant and dirt. Inspect the oil pan and block for chipped plastic guides. If fragments have fallen into the oil pan, drain the oil and flush the system.
  8. Install the new crankshaft and camshaft sprockets, new guides and the new tensioner (DO NOT COCK THE TENSIONER until the chain is installed).
  9. Fit the new chain onto the sprockets and check that the marks on the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets line up with the marks on the block and cylinder head. An error of 1 tooth will cause a loss of low-end power and knocking.
  10. Cock the chain tensioner according to the service manual (usually by turning the mechanism until it clicks) and lock it. Turn the crankshaft by hand two full revolutions and make sure the marks line up again and the chain has not jumped a tooth.
  11. Remove the old timing cover. Install the new cover (or the old one after thorough cleaning) with VR 703141410 sealant, strictly per the service manual (an even bead with no excess). Cover bolt torque is 8-12 N·m (6-9 lb-ft) (check the manufacturer's service manual).
  12. Press in the new crankshaft seal with the installer (the seal is single-use, PTFE, and is installed dry). Wait 3.5-4 hours before starting the engine so the sealant can cure.
  13. Install the starter, accessory drive belt, undertray, wheel arch liner and front bumper in reverse order.
  14. Fill with fresh 5W-30 engine oil (5.5 L (5.8 qt)) and replace the oil filter (Renault 1520900Q0G or equivalent).
  15. Start the engine and check for oil leaks from the timing cover and the crankshaft seal. Listen to the chain. There should be no unusual noises.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Replacing the timing chain on the R9M is a highly complex procedure that requires special tools and precise alignment of the timing marks. An error of 1 tooth causes knocking and a loss of power, while an error of several teeth leads to pistons hitting the valves and an engine rebuild. If you have no experience working on engine timing and don't have the special tools (camshaft locking tools, crankshaft locking pin), take the car to a Renault dealer or a specialized diesel shop. Typical chain service life is 150,000-220,000 km (guides and upper sprocket 220,000-380,000 km; lower sprocket and tensioner 165,000-250,000 km). If you hear chain noise on a cold start, don't put off the replacement.
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