Can a timing chain be tightened?

Player · 10-04-2008

While dropping the pan to replace the gasket today I noticed that the timing chain is fairly loose. I've only ever replaced timing belts, I have no experience with chains. Can they be tightened or do they have to be replaced?

heavy metal · 10-04-2008

They have to be replaced.

reds · 10-04-2008

always always change the chain if it is loose.. get your motor to top dead center TDC and make sure that the line up dots on the timing gear are lined up and simply take the bolt out and then slide the gears with chain off and then reverse process.

Steve Smiley · 10-04-2008

How many miles do you have on the car

Player · 10-05-2008

It has 170k, I just picked it up a week ago...original engine etc. I was just going to try and get it started when I saw the slack in the chain.

Jay H 237 · 10-05-2008

Since you have to remove the waterpump to change the chain replace the pump too. It would be a good insurance not knowing how many miles it has on it and how much life is left. If it sat for 27 years then the impeller and shaft is likely rusted and may leak in short time.

Steve Smiley · 10-05-2008

Also while there make sure your freeze plugs are ok.

Player · 10-05-2008

How often are chains supposed to be replaced? They last longer than the 60k belts don't they?

So the belt slides off with the sprockets and then back on with the sprockets? Behind the water pump and timing chain cover? I assume there would be a gasket on that cover.

I also understand that the harmonic balancer has to be pulled off, can you do that while the engine is in the car? Does it have to be pressed back on?

Regarding freeze plugs, just check for seepage or rust?

Do all engines have freeze plugs?

Lastly, it seems like most people on the forum just use generic parts & gaskets (not oem), any recommendations to the contrary?

Thanks!

andrewmp6 · 10-05-2008

How long they last depends on how you drive and what parts you use.Yes all engines use a freeze plug some are pushed in some screw in.As long as there not leaking there fine.Yes you can pull the balancer off with the engine in the car just need a special puller for it.The only parts im anal about are gaskets the cork ones just suck rest oem parts are fine unless its a high powered engine.

Player · 10-05-2008

I've just been getting parts from the local parts store. I've been avoiding cork (bad experiences also) but got some rubber gaskets from the parts store. Do you think those will be ok, or do I need to get oem or some special brand of gaskets or parts?

andrewmp6 · 10-06-2008

Rubber ones are nice the one piece oil pan gaskets are nice.Brand of gasket really don't matter.Just get the balancer puller and make sure you match the marks on the cam and crank gears they have a little indent those are the markers.

Player · 10-06-2008

Does the harmonic balancer have to be pressed back on?

Sprockets don't have to be replaced do they (read that for the 390 they have to be replaced...I realize I have a 351, just checking).

It also talks about sealing the gaskets and putting some sealer on the front cover bolts before putting them back in. Any idea what this is?

mccance · 10-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Player

Does the harmonic balancer have to be pressed back on?

Sprockets don't have to be replaced do they (read that for the 390 they have to be replaced...I realize I have a 351, just checking).

It also talks about sealing the gaskets and putting some sealer on the front cover bolts before putting them back in. Any idea what this is?

yes you should press the balance back on. but all this takes is a bolt, a larg washer, and some different size spacers. slowly tighten the bolt until the balancer is in position. the timing chain and gears usually come as a set, and should be replaced, and some of the long bolts on the front cover require sealant as they pass into the water jackets. and sealing the gaskets just means adding a little rtv to the gaskets to make sure they don't leak. does not require a lot of sealant just a small film.

robotworkshop · 10-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Player

Sprockets don't have to be replaced do they (read that for the 390 they have to be replaced...I realize I have a 351, just checking).

It also talks about sealing the gaskets and putting some sealer on the front cover bolts before putting them back in. Any idea what this is?

If you just want to get the car going and plan on rebuilding the engine soon then I suppose you could get away with just replacing the chain only. It will certainly be better than what you have now.

Whenever I have done a timing chain (last one was on my Dodge truck at about 150K) I put on a new double roller set. In my case I had to replace the gears since it was a different style chain.

I suppose if your gears aren't worn you could reuse them but after 170K I would probably just buy a timing chain set and put new gears on it too.

Player · 10-06-2008

Thanks guys!

So do I need to put sealer on any other gaskets other than the front cover? Does my oil pan gasket for the engine or tranny need that? What about the rear differential?

Is that the same stuff that I'm supposed to put on the screws that hold the front cover on?