timing chain question
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
timing chain question
ok my timing chain cover gasket blew yesterday and i was wondering if anyone knows how much play the chain should have since i'll have it tore down that far was thinking of changing if it has to much it a 93 with a 302 and would it cause it to run alittle on the warm side? i know it's blowing oil like crazy at the distributor any help would be great thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,805
Likes: 480
From: Cape Girardeau MO
* Roll the cam or crank so that the left (passenger) side of the timing chain is tight.
* Pick a point on the left side - I use the edge of the timing cover gasket face at a point about halfway in between the cam and crank. Measure this distance.
* Roll the cam or crank so that the right (driver) side of the timing chain is tight.
* Push the left side of the chain outward and measure the distance from the chain to the previous reference point.
* If the difference in measurements (deflection) is more than 1/2-inch, replace the chain.
A stretched chain will make the valve and ignition timing late. If bad enough, could see where the engine may run a little hotter than normal. Don't know whether it would have an impact on oil blowing.
* Pick a point on the left side - I use the edge of the timing cover gasket face at a point about halfway in between the cam and crank. Measure this distance.
* Roll the cam or crank so that the right (driver) side of the timing chain is tight.
* Push the left side of the chain outward and measure the distance from the chain to the previous reference point.
* If the difference in measurements (deflection) is more than 1/2-inch, replace the chain.
A stretched chain will make the valve and ignition timing late. If bad enough, could see where the engine may run a little hotter than normal. Don't know whether it would have an impact on oil blowing.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 176
Likes: 22
From: Arkansas
I second the suggestion to change it while your there!
I had to remove the timing cover on my 91 5.8 because of a snapped off water pump stud - with 192K I was surprised at the condition of the factory double roller chain - Previous owner was religious about 3000 mile oil changes! it had very little slop in it...but
With the one piece pan gasket and the fact it was leaking a bit I went ahead and dropped the pan. Rock Auto -For less than $150.00 I got all the gaskets, seals, timing chain & gears, oil pump, distributor drive shaft, everything. Now I shouldn't have to worry about that for as long as I have the truck.
Todd Stranczek
Benton, AR
I had to remove the timing cover on my 91 5.8 because of a snapped off water pump stud - with 192K I was surprised at the condition of the factory double roller chain - Previous owner was religious about 3000 mile oil changes! it had very little slop in it...but
With the one piece pan gasket and the fact it was leaking a bit I went ahead and dropped the pan. Rock Auto -For less than $150.00 I got all the gaskets, seals, timing chain & gears, oil pump, distributor drive shaft, everything. Now I shouldn't have to worry about that for as long as I have the truck.
Todd Stranczek
Benton, AR