Timing Chain Slop
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,691
Likes: 6
Timing Chain Slop
When I installed my new distributor last summer my neighbor helped me check the amoung of slop in the timing chain. As I recall there was about 4 degrees of slop. Is that too much and if so is it an indication that I need a new timing chain?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
4 degrees doesn't sound like alot. I've never really seen what degrees constitute a worn chain. I know others have checked it this way. Maybe someone can fill in the blanks.
If it's a stock nylon cam gear....any slop means I would change it. The rest of the nylon could strip off in no time flat and then you're in trouble.
If it's a stock nylon cam gear....any slop means I would change it. The rest of the nylon could strip off in no time flat and then you're in trouble.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 976
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From: SOUTH CAROLINA
if you can turn the engine slightly backwards and move the crank and the cam hesitates before it moves its too loose. youre timing will fluctuate every time you let off the gas if this is the case.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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4Cammer, I checked it by removing the dist cap, turning the crankshaft by hand til the timing mark was at TDC with tension to the dist, then moving it backward until the dist shaft moved again. The crankshaft pulley with the timing marks is what I used to determine 4 degrees of slop. I assumed the slop was in the chain.
How do I know if the cam is hesitating? Do I do the same thing but watch for pushrod movement instead of dist shaft movement?
How do I know if the cam is hesitating? Do I do the same thing but watch for pushrod movement instead of dist shaft movement?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
The dizzy may show a bit more hesitation only cause slack in the gear along with slop in chain. Watching valvetrain may get a closer guess. Put indicator on top of rocker, get it to move a small amount, then turn backwards to see if how long it takes to move again.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 976
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From: SOUTH CAROLINA
You'll never get all the slack out of the chaineven if you changed everything that connects the stuff together, but the less you have the truer you valve and ignition timing will be. that means it will be easier to tune. your numbers wont be dancing around.
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