Camshaft drive (Freelander 2)

The crankshaft sprocket drives the exhaust camshaft through the timing belt, which is worn on the coolant pump, auto-tensioner and idler pulleys. The crankshaft and timing elements rotate clockwise when viewed from the front of the engine. The correct belt tension is maintained by a spring-loaded automatic tensioner, which is located on the right front surface of the cylinder block.

The tensioner is also used to remove the belt. The idler pulley is located behind the front engine mount and is secured to the cylinder block by a lower engine mount bolt that runs through the center of the pulley.

Hydraulic Timing Chain Tensioner

Pos.	spare part no	Name
A	-	Hydraulic Tensioner - Engaged Position
B	-	Hydraulic tensioner - released position
1	-	exhaust camshaft
2	-	intake camshaft
3	-	Timing chain
4	-	Upper chain guide
5	-	tensioner head
6	-	Tensioner service pin
7	-	hydraulic tensioner
8	-	Bolt (3 pcs.)

The intake camshaft is driven by the exhaust camshaft via a short 40-link timing chain. The chain is worn on the sprockets provided on each camshaft. The chain tension is adjusted by a hydraulic tensioner, which is installed between the camshafts and secured with three screws on the cylinder head. An oil passage is drilled into the tensioner body and connects to an oil port in the cylinder head.


The hydraulic tensioner assembly is located between the top and bottom sides of the chain, with the tensioner head acting on the bottom side of the chain. The tensioner head and top end of the tensioner are molded plastic and integrated with the chain guides.

A plastic service pin is built into the tensioner body, which is located in the head of the hydraulic tensioner. The service pin is integrated with the tensioner and is used during service to remove and lock the hydraulic tensioner in the engaged position.

Timing chain

Pos.	spare part no	Name
1	-	Colored Timing Chain Link
2	-	Timing chain
3	-	Intake camshaft timing mark
4	-	Intake camshaft sprocket
5	-	Exhaust camshaft sprocket
6	-	Adjusting label of a final camshaft

There are two color-coded adjustment links on the chain that align with the adjustment marks on the face of each camshaft sprocket. Adjustment marks are provided for the correct adjustment of camshafts and valve timing. For more information on valve timing, see the appropriate Service and Repair Procedures Manual (SRP).

The timing chain and camshaft sprockets are splash lubricated by the hydraulic tensioner.