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12/08/2019 6:37 PM  #1


new timing chain

I installed my new chain and steel gear set from RA today ( it was a cloye brand) and i have close to a 1/2 play on one side. Thats not right is it? Thats what I had with the nylon one I just removed
Returned it and went with a Millings instead. 

Last edited by Cab4word67 (12/08/2019 7:38 PM)


Slammed Big Blue, ran over the varmints that messed with the Stang. Now all is good in the NW
 

12/08/2019 8:16 PM  #2


Re: new timing chain

1/2" sounds about normal to me.

 

12/08/2019 10:32 PM  #3


Re: new timing chain

the hasting ford manual says to replace when it is a 1/2" or more. I just ordered a different brand 


Slammed Big Blue, ran over the varmints that messed with the Stang. Now all is good in the NW
     Thread Starter
 

12/09/2019 6:02 AM  #4


Re: new timing chain

So, the issue you have with chains is in part that they stretch, but also you end up dealing with tolerance stack up.  The distance between the cam and crank centers is not the same in every engine due to manufacturing variances, plus, if the engine was ever rebuilt and line honed it changes the dimension.  I've seen new chains quite tight, and I've seen them with slack.  All the engines seemed to run fine regardless.  If the timing marks line up correctly I'd say run with it. 

 

12/09/2019 8:59 AM  #5


Re: new timing chain

Another option would be to look at a chain for an align hone.  An align hone will end up slightly raising the crank center line which will then make the chain loose.  Even if your block has never been align-honed you may be on the lower limit of crank spacing.  If you get a 0.005" unit you will probably get the proper slack in the chain.  The manufacturers use either different chains or slightly larger sprockets.  Look at the linked Summit page and note on the left side the option for .005 or .010 align hone.  

I would prefer a tighter chain than what you have.  The looser chain will change your cam timing slightly and can lead to a small amount of timing instability under certain conditions.  But that is my retentive nature.

A link from Romac is also attached on their measurement method.  Your results may vary.

http://www.romacusa.com/tech_timing_sets.html

https://www.summitracing.com/search/make/ford/engine-size/5-0l-302/part-type/timing-chain-and-gear-sets

Last edited by GPatrick (12/09/2019 9:12 AM)

 

12/09/2019 10:01 AM  #6


Re: new timing chain

A gear drive is really the only real cure.  They are made in a huge variety of sizes to precisely fit the application.  The problem is they also either spin the cam backwards or require machining or some other solution to get an idler gear or gears in there to spin the cam the right way.  Then there's the noise factor, and don't run one in an engine with a knock sensor or your timing will end up drastically retarded as the ECU thinks the engine is knocking all the time.  In the end, another part great for race engines, but not for street use. 

If you're concerned about it try the sets GPatrick linked.  Any little bit is going to help, though I really doubt you'd notice a difference in a typical street engine so long as the timing set is new. 

 

12/09/2019 12:50 PM  #7


Re: new timing chain

I had a gear drive a few years ago. Sounds pretty cool..................for a while!  (It kinda sounds like a water pump going bad) Last time I 'went into the engine' I replaced it with a Cloyes roller chain.  Had NO issues with the gear drive (buddy of mine loves his in his "shivel-lay") just went another direction.
6sal6

PS In fact.......somebody on here bought it from me when I was gett'in rid of stuff before I moved.
Ask me why..........one of the idler gears is bigger around than the other.


Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
 

12/09/2019 1:16 PM  #8


Re: new timing chain

I converted one car I had from timing chain to timing belt which put everything our where you can get to it. Like for advance/retard work and all. Was wonderful till they outlawed it. Since we have no rules on the street, maybe we need to design a belt drive?

 

12/09/2019 3:29 PM  #9


Re: new timing chain

Belt drives are great for cam timing changes, but cost prohibitive for the average street engine.  I think a cheap one was like $750, and I think that was for a SBC, so probably another $100 for a SBF. 

 

12/10/2019 12:45 AM  #10


Re: new timing chain

Guys as i have said before this is my first ford, so I am in the dark on some of this stuff. But i was reading the service manual you recommended and it says to install the oil slinger. I didnt have one when I opened it up this weekend? 130K is there even room for one on the 66 c code block? 

 


Slammed Big Blue, ran over the varmints that messed with the Stang. Now all is good in the NW
     Thread Starter
 

12/10/2019 3:29 PM  #11


Re: new timing chain

It doesn't take long for a new chain too have 1/2" or more slack. Advance it 2 or more deg. from the beginning if that the problem.

 

12/10/2019 4:16 PM  #12


Re: new timing chain

Cab4word67 wrote:

Guys as i have said before this is my first ford, so I am in the dark on some of this stuff. But i was reading the service manual you recommended and it says to install the oil slinger. I didnt have one when I opened it up this weekend? 130K is there even room for one on the 66 c code block? 

 

 
If it didn't have an oil slinger, don't sweat it. Install your new timing chain set up and move on, you'll be fine.

 

12/11/2019 11:07 AM  #13


Re: new timing chain

josh-kebob wrote:

Cab4word67 wrote:

Guys as i have said before this is my first ford, so I am in the dark on some of this stuff. But i was reading the service manual you recommended and it says to install the oil slinger. I didnt have one when I opened it up this weekend? 130K is there even room for one on the 66 c code block? 

 

 
If it didn't have an oil slinger, don't sweat it. Install your new timing chain set up and move on, you'll be fine.

 
I agree with Josh


John  -- 67 Mustang Coupe 390 5 speed
 

12/11/2019 5:36 PM  #14


Re: new timing chain

red351 wrote:

It doesn't take long for a new chain too have 1/2" or more slack. Advance it 2 or more deg. from the beginning if that the problem.

Good idea butt..........be sure and degree it first. You will need a "special" crank gear to degree the cam.
6sal6
 


Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
 

12/12/2019 7:41 PM  #15


Re: new timing chain

Cloyes stock timing chain we sent back because it was 1/2" play
Melling stock chain 0 play. that's the way it should be


Slammed Big Blue, ran over the varmints that messed with the Stang. Now all is good in the NW
     Thread Starter
 

Board footera


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