4spdcuda66
Well-Known Member
Should the timing chain be taut on both sides, or is there an acceptable amount of slack? If slack is allowed, how much is acceptable?
10 degrees would run pretty badly.... if the chain was still on there! IIRC, one tooth off is right at 15 degrees.Normally you would rotate engine clockwise until you are at TDC on timing indicator, then rotate engine counterclockwise slowly while carefully watching distributor rotor. Stop rotation as soon as you see the slightest movement of rotor. Read how many degrees crankshaft has turned on timing tab. The less the better obviously. 10 degrees on a stock engine would be on the outer limit of acceptable, I would think.
Then you are in the right place LOL.... I am just wondering how long I have to spend in jail because I spent less than $100 on a chain....!You gotta love it. The first 5 responses gave 5 different answers. Engine building by committee has always been my favorite!
So true!Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten "
Been working as an automotive tech for about 30yrs, I've seen MANY engines with more than 10 degrees of chain play still run decent enough that customers just requested to check tune-up. We would advance initial timing and advise them of chain stretch. Most would decline chain replacement after driving their vehicle. My test is not determining degrees of cam timing change, just degrees of slack in non-tension side of chain (which would also include tooth to chain wear) as measured in crankshaft rotation. 10 degrees of chain slack measured this way is a hell of a lot different than a chain that has jumped a tooth. This is just an indicator of chain wear, BEFORE it jumps time. I too have seen engines still running that have chains that have completely rubbed through covers. Customer's only complaint with a couple of those was an oil leak problem. How much play do you think those had ?? I know original poster had his cover off, while my reply is more relevant if engine is completely assembled, but just thought I would throw it out there.10 degrees would run pretty badly.... if the chain was still on there! IIRC, one tooth off is right at 15 degrees.
I wouldn`t run a 1/2" slop in anything !1/2" of side-to-side timing chain slack sounds like a 'service limit'. At service limits, the timing will be retarded 3-5 degrees. That will very much adversely effect low/mid RPM throttle response and torque.
Should the timing chain be taut on both sides, or is there an acceptable amount of slack? If slack is allowed, how much is acceptable?
Ran this timing chain and gear set on a 600 HP small block.............
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/clo-9-3603x9/overview/make/chrysler
and this tensioner.................
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/clo-9-5387/overview/
Ran the combination for over 1-1/2 years with the owner driving to work daily and street racing with some autocross thrown in. Almost no wear on the tensioner at all. The engine is back for a freshen up and the chain/gear set & tensioner can be reused. Please, go the cheapest way you can. We'd love to race you!