I finally got the engine ripped down to the point where I need to put the new timing chain in. The one I ordered seems to be too long as the 2 sides are easily able to come in contact with each other in the middle and both sides have slack (bright links are lined up with the dots on the sprockets). I figured i was sent the wrong set and went to Checker Auto Parts and bought another set and after getting that chain in, it seems much too short as it is impossible to get the passenger side guide or tensioner into place. There is at most 1/4" deflection of the chain on the pass side and even less on the driver's side.

If anyone thinks they may have an idea what would be wrong or any sugjestcions for me I would appreciate it greatly!

Thank you very much!

~Eric

Here is pictures of both chains installed...

This is the one with the loose chain. There is no more room for the tensioner to push owtward and That can't be good as the chain will stretch a little bit:



Here is the other chain that is too tight. Notice how there is no room to install the passenger side guide or tensioner as the chain goes right over the bolt holes and will not move away from them:



Thanks in advance again!

~Eric

Have you count the number of links on the original and replacement chain?
Both looks horribly wrong.

What year of engine are you dealing with? There are early chains that have 2 more links than the later. Early being 1984 and older, newer being 85'-95'. Any headwork been done? I hate buying hard parts at Schucks (checker/kragen) since they have a problem getting part numbers right in their computer let alone having a 17 y.o. kid punching the keys. Bottom line, late style engines get the shorter chain, tensioner must be compressed to install. Early get the longer chain.

The first picture looks almost correct....except the tensioner is looking fully extended. Should be about half way out with everything installed.

~Darin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Where would the markings on the block be to tell what year the motor is? I would think since one was too long and the other was too short that I would have both styles but can't hurt to check. Do you happen to know how many links either motor should have for the chain?

Thanks!!!

late blocks will have a flying saucer shape on the driver's side.

Look on the driver side of the block there should be a serial number. You can call a dealership and get someone at their parts counter to look it up for you, should be able to tell you pretty close to the month/year it was made.

here is a set of pictures I grabbed from somewhere last year....shows chain setup when done right with no problems. IIRC- the guy that I *ahem* it borrowed from is kinda anal that way. Very PC...LOL


~Darin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Esquire is right. Kragen parts are priced good but qaulity is questionable and getting the right parts is like rolling the dice. My friends and I have a joke about getting stuff at kragens. It goes likes this "Third trip to kragen and they told me I'd have to go the the dealer and....". Take than stuff back and get your money back. Then go to a Carquest or buy it from ENGNBLDR on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOYO...QitemZ8015616372QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW. You'll get better parts and put the Kragen trips to an end. We just bought and installed an ENGNBLDR set and I'm very happy. Got it shipped to me in two days after buying it. The steel chain guide was a nice upgrade piece too. Good luck with getting it done. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Did some more checking into this problem. The chains I have pictured above are 98 link (the loose chain) and 96 link (the tight chain). I cant for the life of me figure out how one can be too long and the other too short when there isn't a 97 like chain made and it looks like there's more than just 2 links difference. Any other ideas, this is really starting to erk me!

Thanx!