How to tell if timing chain needs replaced

[David Vandercook]

Well, I pulled the fuel pump out of my truck to replace it, and since the timing chain is right there where with a flashlight I can see it through the fuel pump hole, so I thought I'd check on it, especially since a friend told me the timing chain is a likely culprit for the problems I have been having recently. I can stick my finger in and feel quite a bit of slack, but is there a way to tell whether it has been replaced before and whether it needs replacement without removing it first?

 

[Hagar1]

With the 318 and 360 we used to turn the engine by had, clockwise and then counter clockwise. Ideally with the timing marks sort of lined up. If we could get 8 to 10 degrees movement on the crank, we would call a timing chain. You can feel when the chain tightens up on the cam in both directions.

 

[David Vandercook]

Thanks, that was very helpful. I only have maybe 2 degrees so That's probably not an issue.

 

[Sherman Bird]

Well, I pulled the fuel pump out of my truck to replace it, and since the timing chain is right there where with a flashlight I can see it through the fuel pump hole, so I thought I'd check on it, especially since a friend told me the timing chain is a likely culprit for the problems I have been having recently. I can stick my finger in and feel quite a bit of slack, but is there a way to tell whether it has been replaced before and whether it needs replacement without removing it first?

Yeah! At that age... put a new timing chain in. I'd put a double roller in, if available through Summit Racing or Jeg's!

 

[Daw14]

Remove your distributor cap , grab ahold of the crank pulley and turn gently back and forth . You will see how much play is there before the rotor moves. Yes it is definitely time for a new one.