can any of you who are rebuilding, or have recently replaced the timing chain and gears on a 3.0 tell me how much (if any) slack is in the new chain ?
mine looks kinda lose to me, probably about 1/2" either way (1" total play, on one side, with the other side tight), but i'm not sure what's acceptable. i dont want to buy the kit if what i got is ok.

thanks,
Mark

 

I would go ahead and replace the chain and gears at this point. You are already there and the cost is neglible compared to the performane of a new chain/gear set.

 

tx ranch...
actually, i'm not there now...i bought this van for really cheap, figured out that the timing chain and top gear was bad and had skipped a tooth, pulled the timing chain and top gear from my parts van (which appeared to be in much better condition) , stuck it in there and put in back together. i dont want to put any money into this thing at this point if it doesnt pan out...test drove it today...looks like it might be ok. the kit runs about $40.00, thats not bad. if the amount of play i have now is equal to only slightly greater than what the new stuff will do, i'll leave it for now and move on to fixing other minor problems, but if that's excessive, i'll bite the bullet and change it.

thanks,
Mark

 

If that is the case, you should be ok. I have seen them running "fine" with more slack than wha you have. I just hate to have to go back and fix something when I had the opportunity earlier. Good luck.

 

The new timing set I put on mine which was both gears and timing chain had at the most a quarter-inch play.

 

Turn the crankshaft until one side of the chain is taut. Now turn it in the opposite direction and take out the slack on the other side until the camshaft starts moving. If the difference is more than 6 degrees on the harmonic balancer, then you need to replace the whole timing set. I have seen them at Blainesmotorsuply.com for under 20 dollars.

Good luck

 

My only point was that if you don't want to spend any money, the vehicle will run. However, I am not advocating a "penny wise, pound foolish " approach. Generally, I would just spend the money and get it behind me. My time is worth more than the small savings realized by using the old gears and chain. I don't want to mislead you regarding using the old timing set, I have never used a second hand timing set on anything I have worked on. I just meant that it would work. Good luck.

 

I understand exactly what you're saying 78ranchero.
using copper's rule of thumb, i'm a little under 6 degrees.
I think i'd be wise to go ahead and put in a new set, being that this vehicle looks like it's gonna be a keeper.
i've pretty much got to the point that i can get the timing cover off in my sleep. (had a leaking gasket in the other van)

thanks all !

Mark

 

I understand being "well versed" in certain operations. Happy New Year!