so i did my timing chain like two years ago, or two winters ago. several weeks back i did my valve lash adjustment, things looked fine. but camshaft TDC wasnt with crankshaft TDC keep in mind my truck runs fine... scratches 2nd... pulls pretty fine... gets me around the place. now i'm really unsure if my crank and cam are in sync, how can i check this? i really don't wanna take off that timing cover yet.... I was thinking if the crank pulley is messed up the only way i can tell the crankshaft position is the crankshaft itself with its mark. I need some more ideas guys, its been puzzling my mind alot. Is it possible that my truck jumped a tooth when the timiing guide snapped back then?
There should be a notch on your crank pulley indicating TDC. Take off the distributor cap and valve cover. Next, get a ratchet and socket for the crank and keep turning the motor over till the notch on the crank pulley is in the north position along with the rotor facing #1 on the distributor. Then look at the timing gear sprocket and there should be a notch or two on there. It should be in the north position as well. Then you could tell if its off by a tooth or two. Hope this helps.
I'm hoping so too. The fact that the truck runs well confuses me alot :/ would a timing chain have that much slack? I doubt so... would a 22re that jumped one tooth run alright? thanks though!
Your chain might if your tensioner is going out. Yea it would run alright but would run better if you put it back having it lined up correctly! It's not too hard.
good info to keep in mind, I need to put new stuff in my 22r, even with 4.88 gears and the 32" tires its GUTTLESS
Alright. Well I just want to confirm that my cam and crank are in sync.. I did the timing chain about 30-35k miles ago? I highly doubt it should be going out.. maybe.. who knows. My gameplan for tomorrow is.... Belts off. Crack loose crankshaft bolt. Remove bolt or leave it loose. Remove sparkplug #1. Remove Valve Cover. Open distributor cap. Once I get all of this visual crap ready (I'm doing this because I really DON'T want to pull that timing cover..), I will turn the crankpulley til i see TDC in the spark hole. Seeing TDC can only tell me the crank is at true TDC, assuming I already cranked it another time just in case I was on the other half of the cycle. As I get that done, the chain can only tell me if the cam is in sync right? If it's off, how do i get it a chain over? (also assuming the driver's side of the chain is tight.) If I remember correctly, the chain should be bright link on top of dimple. anyway, I'd like your thoughts, I'm tired... time to knock out. Will check back later!
Yes everything sounds good. Leave the crank bolt tight and just cycle the motor manually by hand. You can take out the spark plugs to relieve the pressure in the motor to make it easier to turn over. So just take a look when you have done the above instructions a couple posts above. Once you have the motor at TDC. Take the valve cover off and verify if the chain is off by one or two teeth or off at all. If you are off TDC, loosen and remove the sprocket bolt. Then simply use a pry bar of some sort to push in the tentioner to relieve the tension on the chain. Then align the sprocket and chain appropriately. Then do everything backwards and put it back together. I hope this helps and if I'm missing anything others please help me out!
Sweet, is it possible to see the crank gear's TDC mark from the top? Like looking straight down? Last thing I want is a bent valve. Thanks, I'll catch up later! Btw, i also read about 22re harmonic balancers being spun, how does that happen?
Keep in mind that the crank turns twice in relation to one cam turn. So your crank can be 180* out. Like mentioned before pull the dizzy cap and turn till the rotor is pointing to the #1 firing pin on the cap. <only way to know without pulling the valve cover... Otherwise, pulling the valve cover is a sure bet... Highly doubt it jumped a tooth, stretched chain yes... A spun harmonic balancer only happens with the two piece type. The rubber in-between the center and outer sections loose it grip and well, you know the rest....
just did the timing chain on my 22re and the cam mark in relation to the crank should be close if only off by a hair. With that said is your truck running right? If so then leave well enough alone. If your due for chain job then, with this as some evidence, do it and be done for another 100,000 miles. It's honestly a one day job if not half a day if you've done it before and not too expensive.
