The timing chain on your Chevrolet S-10 truck is essential for the operation of the S-10's engine. The timing chain keeps the valves of the engine running in the precise order necessary for the engine to operate. A faulty chain may cause a total failure of the engine. The timing chain replacement process is relatively simple and should take you approximately one hour to complete.
Lift up the hood of the S-10 and use a socket wrench to disconnect the negative cable from the truck's battery.
Place a drain pan under the radiator drain plug and loosen the plug with a socket wrench to allow all of the liquids to flow into the pan. Tighten the drain plug.
Remove the alternator from the engine by first loosening its belt by hand, then removing its securing bolt with a socket wrench. Once the bolt is off, disconnect the alternator's wiring harness and pull it out of the truck.
Remove the four screws securing the fan cover with a Phillips screwdriver and remove the cover from the truck. Remove the three bolts securing the fan, fan clutch and pulley with a socket wrench. Pull out the fan, fan clutch and pulley from the engine compartment.
Remove the clip securing each hose with a slotted screwdriver. Pull out the two hoses from the water pump and remove the bolts from the water pump with a socket wrench. If any excess liquids spill out, mop them up with a towel.
Remove the four bolts securing the water pump with a socket wrench. Lift out the water pump assembly and gasket from the timing chain cover.
Remove the two bolts securing the cover of the timing chain. Remove the timing chain cover from the engine compartment.
Pull the timing chain out of the engine compartment. Install a replacement timing chain into the engine and reattach the cover of the timing chain. Install the bolts to secure the cover.
Reattach the water pump, the fan, the fan clutch and the pulley.
Reattach the alternator and reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Open the radiator cap and pour the coolant from the drain pan into the radiator. Tighten the cap and close the hood.
