Timing chain stamped wrong?
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
Weird. Did you check the crank sprocket that it was the same markings as the stock one?
What did you use as a replacement? Part number?
Also, wondering if you have the TDC on #1 on the compression stroke, with the rotor pointing at the #1 spark plug wire. Just making sure
What did you use as a replacement? Part number?
Also, wondering if you have the TDC on #1 on the compression stroke, with the rotor pointing at the #1 spark plug wire. Just making sure
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 243
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From: Spokane, Wa.
Yep, crank sprocket is also identical. I don't know the specific part number but it was the factory replacement from napa, I can check the brand and part number when I get home since I still have the box. Here are the pictures of old and new:
Old timing set
New set
Old timing set
New set
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Spokane, Wa.
The new timing set is a napa set, part # 20-3012. The little piece of paper that came in the box explaining the difference in the 2 sprocket designs (with and without spacer) is copyrighted by Cloyes Gear and Products Inc.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
The only thing I can think of is the spark plug wires are 180 degrees out on the distributor cap. This would mean the cylinders are sparking as the intake is opening for the intake stroke, leading to backfiring out the carb.
Or, you bent a valve or valves.
Which is why I'd ask if you did a compression check AFTER the timing chain was replaced.
Or, you bent a valve or valves.
Which is why I'd ask if you did a compression check AFTER the timing chain was replaced.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Spokane, Wa.
I did suspect some bent valves, that's the reason I did the compression test in the first place. And yes, both compression tests where done after the new timing set was installed. I pulled the valve covers the other day and pulled my push rods, all straight as an arrow. Also I cranked the motor over by hand and watched the rocker arms on cylinder number one to eye ball valve timing. Both valves are closed on the compression stroke and right as it reaches top dead center the dizzy is pointing right at the #1 position. Also at this point the sprocket aligning dimples are lined up perfectly. And yes I have triple checked the spark plug wire order I'm really starting to think the timing might not be the problem at all but rather I might have screwed up when rebuilding the carb and it may be running real lean. It would explain both the backfire as well as not having enough power to idle while in gear. My buddy has a holley 4160 still in the box that I might see if I can slap on real quick and see if it fixes it.
I'm really starting to think the timing might not be the problem at all but rather I might have screwed up when rebuilding the carb and it may be running real lean. It would explain both the backfire as well as not having enough power to idle while in gear. My buddy has a holley 4160 still in the box that I might see if I can slap on real quick and see if it fixes it.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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I have usually found with all the Fe's i have had that when the timing chain stretches that bad the pushrods have always bent, if your is a 77 its a bit newer than i have worked with,
a 64 390 in a thunderbird streched and bent the rods, i had to replaced the chain lifters and rods.
next i have found that when i have put a new chain on and spun the engine round checking the alignment, the pump drive never lines up.
i usually drop the distributer in, and hand crank the engine until it lines up, otherwise it drops in one tooth advanced
same happened with my 68, my 68 ran but had 1 inch slack.
a 64 390 in a thunderbird streched and bent the rods, i had to replaced the chain lifters and rods.
next i have found that when i have put a new chain on and spun the engine round checking the alignment, the pump drive never lines up.
i usually drop the distributer in, and hand crank the engine until it lines up, otherwise it drops in one tooth advanced
same happened with my 68, my 68 ran but had 1 inch slack.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Spokane, Wa.
The engine I'm having a problem with is the 390 in my 65' galaxie. My 77' f150 has a 460 in it. I already pulled the push rods and rolled them across a table, all straight and I have good compression on all cylinders is good so the valves are sealing. I popped a holly 4160 on it my buddy had sitting around just to see if I might have roofed up when I rebuilt the carb. I managed to slap a timing light on it before it started pouring coolant out of the thermostat housing and found that it was firing at tdc so I turned it back to 10* btdc but haven't fired it up yet since I didn't have a tap to retap the thermostat house bolt hole cus I know they are stripped out. I'm waiting on my drill to charge up and once I get it sealed up I will fire it and see if that ignition timing adjustment got rid of the back fire. I will post what I find out
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Joined: Nov 2005
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Nice i just got rid of my 66 the other day. i also have a 68 LTD and im in the process of restoring a 64 which im thinking of making a thunderbolt
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Spokane, Wa.
Nice. Crites Performance has a lot of unique parts for them that they build in house. They also make their own aftermarket fiberglass thunderbolt hoods and fiberglass fenders, bumpers, and trunk lids. The 64's are a lot easier to find parts for than the 65' / 66' body style. I'm building a 557 big block for mine after I get back from fishing in Alaska this summer
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From: Spokane, Wa.
Finally, it all works Turns out I screwed up somehow when rebuilding the 4100 carb. I stuck my buddies spare holley on it and fired right up. Checked the ignition timing, it was of by 10*. Adjusted that and no more back fire and she runs like a dream. Well, more like a raped ape compared to before I want to say thank you to everyone that replied to my posts and helped me figure this thing out, I can't thank you enough, you guys are awesome 
Turns out I screwed up somehow when rebuilding the 4100 carb. I stuck my buddies spare holley on it and fired right up. Checked the ignition timing, it was of by 10*. Adjusted that and no more back fire and she runs like a dream. Well, more like a raped ape compared to before I want to say thank you to everyone that replied to my posts and helped me figure this thing out, I can't thank you enough, you guys are awesome
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,501
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From: Axtell, TX
Hooray! lol Glad to hear you have it running right. I was thinking it was probly that carb, since that was the only thing left that hadnt been triple checked. Now it's time to stomp some chebbies!
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