Ok, bear with me, I'm used to timing gears and belts.

On the 351, how hard is it to pull off the timing set once you've gotten the timing cover off?
(the water pump job got... ugly...)

And, how much slack is normal in the chain?

Thanks!

t

 

The timing chain shouldn't have more than 1/2" deflection.

Once you remove the cam bolt holding the upper sprocket on the cam, you should be able to remove both the upper and lower sprocket easily.

 

Thanks! I'll have to measure deflection- it's right around 1/2", maybe a bit more.

No pullers needed? I'm still a little traumatized by breaking the fiber gear out of the 4.9...

t

 

Be sure to line up the timing marks on the gears before beginning to remove the gears and chain. Put the bolt back in the front of the crankshaft to turn the engine.

 

Might need a puller for harmonic balancer and maybe lower gear. Be sure you note the woodruff key in the lower gear. You should be able to use the key unless you note any distortion or evidence of the start of shearing.