Timing chain noise

In my opinion there is nothing wrong with Jim's suggestion at all, its only knocking the engine back a FEW degrees, so dont see any harm in that method. Any more, with a loose chain and you are asking for trouble.

Why dont you do it with the engine running.?

Tony

 

Agreed nothing wrong, because Jim knows what he is doing and he is happy with it and works for him. I do not see the necessity for that extra step. Perhaps one day I'll meet up with Jim and over a plate of pasta and glass of chianti we can revisit.
I though about adjusting while running, once! It seems to me that one would adjust in static mode to control chain lash at speed and that adjusting while running would not be a good idea.

 

We have gray matter, might as well try to use it once in a while! You peer down from from above into the head and watch what is happening. I am under the car looking up and adjusting as I know how. I don't think the difference in chain tension, if any, will be enough to warrant ripping the covers off. I guarantee you one thing, the next time the covers are off, I will check your idea out. Hey why not make a video and post it on Utube..

 

I have watched Ron @ superformance Uk, who has rebuilt in excess of 90 dino engines do it many times, thats good enough for me.

 

I though turning on the starter was pushing it. So if it can be done with the engine running, that will make it even easier!

 

Ron did mine while running the engine as i just couldnt get them quiet enough. 10mins and it was purring like a kitten.

 

Jim, one simply knows that if you put forward an option then it is well considered and not to be easily discounted if at all.

Now think about the owner that wants to get his fingers dirty; what choices they have!

The procedures range from adjusting with covers off and backing up to adjusting with the engine running.

It proves at least that the those guys in the 50's knew how to design an engine for the enthusiast!

Will someone cover the middle ground?

 

So can you describe the procedure?
"Janieh" might want to try it before he rips it apart!

 

Dignini - Perhaps I have misunderstood the setting in which owners might be doing this. I have always done this while checking valve shim clearance. Hence, I have the valve covers off. The valve shims should be changed or flipped (to a new surface) every 7500 miles. The chain should not be an issue between these service procedures. Thus, I have always done it where I can visualize the tensioner gear. By the way, I assume everyone removes their deck lid when doing service like this.

Second, to loosen the collet and allow the spring to tension the chain while the engine is running must be quite an exciting procedure. First, the engine is likely hot. Second, getting your fingers between the heads, or next to the exhaust manifold while it's running leads to an interesting manicure.

Finally, the spinning chain will undergo wild undulations owing to the varying tension as the cam lobes give and receive force to/from the valve springs. My understanding is that one would like to tighten the collet when the maximum travel of the spring/rod has been achieved. While running, tightening the collet is a random event relative to the chain tension.

Makes no sense to me, but my rotating the engine backwards a few degrees makes no sense to anyone else. So there you have it.

Jim S.

 

Jim
as I said, the next time I have the covers off, I am going to try what you suggest. I was not kidding about Utube. Don't know if it would be possible but I bet a lot of f_chatters would love to see it.
You would think that adjusting with the engine running would in one way make sense 'cause that's a real time event. On the other hand, I too would think that the spinning chain would thrash about, leading to a setting that might work with revs but be too slack at idle. Too slack at idle could, could cause the chain to jump a tooth at start up. Apparently, however, that is not the case. It, apparently works.

As for under what circumstances do the chains get adjusted. well my ratio is 6 to 1. New chain once. 6 adjustments over 30k miles, without removing covers. To be fair, I never really noticed any difference after the adjustments, just felt good about having done it

I was not kidding about the Pasta and Chianti either!

 

Next time I do it I'll take some videos, but it may be a while.

Where are you located? Perhaps I can call a local pizza delivery service in your neighborhood and order pasta and Chianti for you. I will order the same, and while not physically together, we could enjoy pasta and Chianti simultaneously on video Skype.

Jim

 

Thanks Jim, not much on virtual stuff, however I shall be in La belle France, down Bandol way next week. So I'll open a bottle and toast you and all of F-chat.