Timing chain issues

[pwcracer]

Because of my lack of planning I attempted to re-use my old timing chain and gears from my destroyed 302. I lined up everything and installed the chain and the gears. When I turned the engine over by hand, I noticed the chain would go from very tight, to very loose, on both sides... My old cam was reground at delta cam, so if that was messed up they would have told me. The 306 block I am working on is new, so the only explanation is that the gear is warped.. No idea how that could happen... I am going to order a new timing chain set.. It just sucks this happens on a Friday when I had all weekend to work on the engine..

 

[91 HATCH]

are you sure the cam gear is setting straight on the cam

also the crank gear might not be on straight

 

[5spd GT]

Yeah, it is always a good idea to replace the timing chain and gears...

Now, are you sure the tightness isn't coming from you rotating the engine over initially and then getting slack when you stop...(maybe the cam is spinning a bit quicker than the crank)...a kind of obscure thought...but...

 

[ShortThrow50]

For the very inexpensive price of a timing chain, you should ALWAYS replace it when givin the chance. Dont take short cuts

 

[Black1987Stang]

I just replaced my gear drive with a timing chain yesterday, if you need any pics of anything setup or whatever let me know. BTW I bought a Ford Racing timing chain set and it came with a new cam thrust plate too which is cool.