SR20det Timing Issues

[Turb]

Okay So I know this has been covered multiple times and I know how to set timing, but I can't find anything that talks about what to do if the chain doesn't have colored links, On my timing chain there is one gold link and thats it! Every other link is the same??
I took the head apart to change out HG and now it won't start I had the lopes facing out < > like that and had the 2nd mark on the crank pulley but the chain wasn't lined up because I don't have any marks? Does it matter where the chain is?
Can I fix my timing without getting a new chain?
THANKS.

[Kingtal0n]

you dont need to know which links are gold/silver to set the chain timing.

I do it like this.

1. make sure piston 1 TDC, crank pulley is second mark from the left.
2. the camshaft lobes cyl#1 need to be facing away from each other i.e. away from the engine, 180* apart. With the tensioner out, you can adjust them slightly with a wrench.
2.5 notice now the dots on the cam gears are 10 and 12 o'clock roughly. 12 is more like 12:30 (just past noon).
3. install chain with correct number of links between dots
4. replace tensioner etc..

[Turb]

Should I take the cams out to move them independently?

[DennisC]

Should I take the cams out to move them independently?

You don't need to remove them. Just remove the cam gear bolts so you can spin them independently.

[cotbu]

Loosen the cam caps per FSM, take out the tensioner and cas. Physically lift the chain when positioning the cams.

This is not rocket surgery! Aka no gummy bear shortcuts!