Timing chain

[GN]

How can one tell if the timing chain is going bad on a 74 318?

[BigBlockSam]

hi

  if you put a timing light on the timing mark and it moves around a lot . that usually means your chain is stretched

[FLG]

Might also have a flat spot, poor performance...how long as it been on there?

[firefighter3931]

A quick and easy way to check for chain stretch is to rotate the engine backwards with a socket and watch to see how many degrees of crank rotation occurs before the rotor moves. Obviously the distributor cap needs to be removed. 

If it moves a couple of degrees you are ok.....but most "tired" chains will move in excess of 5* and i've seen a few that were 10*+ 



Ron

[BigBlackDodge]

Watch those nylon chains when they go bad..........all the nylon bits will end up covering your oil pick screen in the pan.


BBD