Timing Chain
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5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2026
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Timing Chain
I am about to do my timing chain soon. I replaced the original chain probably 15 years ago or more. I think I goofed when I put the new one on. The lower sprocket dot was on top like should be, but the top sprocket dot was on top also. I don't think internet had many videos like they do now.
Anyways, when I go to do new chain and sprockets, can I just find TDC and verify with balancer and rotor. Then put new chain and line the dots on sprockets the correct way this time. I know the bottom has the keyway, top sprocket doesn't, correct? I'll re-check timing after all bolted up.
Anyways, when I go to do new chain and sprockets, can I just find TDC and verify with balancer and rotor. Then put new chain and line the dots on sprockets the correct way this time. I know the bottom has the keyway, top sprocket doesn't, correct? I'll re-check timing after all bolted up.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,519
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From: Near Salt Lake City
Funny thing
One of our motor guys back in the day drove a dodge van
He used the Ford dot style on his dodge and ended up 180 out with no compression
I learned right there and there to use a book ALWAYS
Your keyway goes straight up, and your dot goes straight down for your 351
One of our motor guys back in the day drove a dodge van
He used the Ford dot style on his dodge and ended up 180 out with no compression
I learned right there and there to use a book ALWAYS
Your keyway goes straight up, and your dot goes straight down for your 351
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5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2026
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Definitely had the keyway straight up, but also the top sprocket dot up to. Been running fine a good 15 years easily lol. I know there has to be major slack by now.
Pretty much a daily driver too. I was in the Air Force working on the F-16s back in the day. Everything, I mean everything, you had that manual out and to the correct page.
I should have known better lol.
Pretty much a daily driver too. I was in the Air Force working on the F-16s back in the day. Everything, I mean everything, you had that manual out and to the correct page.
I should have known better lol.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,870
Likes: 2,443
I am about to do my timing chain soon. I replaced the original chain probably 15 years ago or more. I think I goofed when I put the new one on. The lower sprocket dot was on top like should be, but the top sprocket dot was on top also. I don't think internet had many videos like they do now.
Oops. I’m with manic in that I’m surprised it ran.
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5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2026
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Over 300,000 miles today, starts right up great acceleration etc. Still have to pass emissions test here in Utah. Passes extremely well every year.
In October the shop said they haven't had a truck from the early 90s pass this low in years. I'm sort of perplexed myself lol.
I kind of wonder why the top sprocket even needs a dot then. If mine was on the top, what's the difference then being on the bottom, if timing is correct according to timing light
and balancer etc. Is the top sprocket balanced or something. There is no keyway etc. Just asking questions. Thanks for all the replies.
In October the shop said they haven't had a truck from the early 90s pass this low in years. I'm sort of perplexed myself lol.
I kind of wonder why the top sprocket even needs a dot then. If mine was on the top, what's the difference then being on the bottom, if timing is correct according to timing light
and balancer etc. Is the top sprocket balanced or something. There is no keyway etc. Just asking questions. Thanks for all the replies.
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