77 351M, Timing chain slack

[Eagle460]

Hey,

I pulled my water pump because it was leaking, I figured that since I was taking it apart, I would check the timing set for wear, everything looks to be in good condition (motor was rebuilt 50k ago.)

One side of the timing chain is always loose, and the other side is tight, and when I rotate the crank just a bit, it's the exact opposite. I don't see anything wrong, but I thought I'd ask if this was alright just in case.

Oh, and on my 2 piece fuel pump eccentric, the outer cup has some play, could this be a problem, or is that the way it should be?

Thanks a bunch!

PS+Here are a few pic's of the timing set

[80broncoman]

I didn't think they still sold those nylon covered cam gears any more. I haven't seen one in years. Honsetly I'd replace the timing set with a good quality double roller chain set.
Since you down that far. I'd not worry about the fuel pump eccentric.that looks to be normal.

[hollenjoe]

If its new itas an oem replacement, cuz it loooks like the stock retarded crap, you should defenitivley change to a doble roller...

[trinogt]

Search the forums here, as the specific years Ford used a retarded timing set can be found somewhere... If it is indeed a retarded (valve timing) set, definitely get a new set with multi-index sprocket, and set it at zero, straight up.
The slack in the chain is normal. I believe a half inch is max, and the method to measure actually involves rotating the engine to tighten the chain on one side to measure slack on the other. No problem.
As for longevity, I have a stock timing set on my '78 351M, and it has not failed in over 500,000 miles. Might just be lucky? lol

[hollenjoe]

hmmm in the lowe part of the big gear you can see a D0xx casting number meaning it could be a 70s 351c timing chain? could it be?

[Eagle460]

Hmm...I wonder if you could be right... The chain that is on the engine right now has a little more than 3/4 slack when we tested...time to get a new timing set?

I keep hearing about how the stock set on the 351M is retarded for emissions reasons. Will getting a timing set that is not retarded result in more power? I'm looking at a double roller set since their cheap. What would you suggest?

Thanks

[trinogt]

I believe the straight up timing set will give you better midrange and top end power compared to the retarded timing.
3/4 inch slack seems excessive...
Double roller is the only way to go.
You will see the '0' keyway on the crank sprocket. Just line up the marks on the cam to the '0' keyway of the crank and away you go!

[JBradley500]

i think its only supposed to have 1/2" of slack.