So...I got started doing my Explorer EFI conversion Saturday by disassembling my motor down to basically the small block. I noticed the timing chain may have excessive slack in it. I turned the motor to #1 TDC and with the chain tight on the driver side, I have approximately 3/4" of play on the opposite side. This motor only has about 40-50K on it. Time for replacement? If so, what to buy? I at least know I don't need to install the fuel pump eccentric if replaced.
Thoughts?
Timing Chain
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TOOLMAN
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Timing Chain
Wilma - 71 1/2 Wagon; 3 1/2" WH lift, 1" BL, NP435, Chebby disc front, WH twin stick D20, EFI 302, Cool hood scoop, mucho cancer; purchased in 1990.
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Eck
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Re: Timing Chain
I just bought this one (http://www.jegs.com/i/COMP+Cams/249/2138/10002/-1) to replace mine. Also-- so you don't make the same mistake I did-- when eliminating the fuel pump eccentric-- make sure you still attach the bolt and washer to the gear and cam.
69 Wagon, 351W, Explorer EFI & Serpentine, ZF5, 35" tires, 3.5 SL, 2 BL, WARN 8274
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Viperwolf1
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Re: Timing Chain
3/4" sounds like it's at it's useful limit. Timing chains are cheap.
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akaFrankCastle
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Re: Timing Chain
X2. It's open already. Might as well get another 100k out of the motor by replacing it.
Stroppe'd
1972 Sport, 302, 3 speed with old school Duff floor shifter, T shift Dana 20 with JB Fab twin stick, 4.11 gears with Trac-loc, Lincoln hydroboost, Chevy disc conversion, WH gas lift gate shock kit, 33" Duratrac tires on slots and about 2.5" of lift, Stroppe installed: bumper braces, dual shocks on all four corners, GM power steering, trans cooler mount, auto shift column, rollbar.
The Terrible One
1972 Sport uncut, 302, C4 with 1974 column , T shift Dana 20, 3.50 gears w/ limited slip, 1966 U13 Roadster kick panel, and factory power steering.
1973 Stroppe Baja project
1972 Sport, 302, 3 speed with old school Duff floor shifter, T shift Dana 20 with JB Fab twin stick, 4.11 gears with Trac-loc, Lincoln hydroboost, Chevy disc conversion, WH gas lift gate shock kit, 33" Duratrac tires on slots and about 2.5" of lift, Stroppe installed: bumper braces, dual shocks on all four corners, GM power steering, trans cooler mount, auto shift column, rollbar.
The Terrible One
1972 Sport uncut, 302, C4 with 1974 column , T shift Dana 20, 3.50 gears w/ limited slip, 1966 U13 Roadster kick panel, and factory power steering.
1973 Stroppe Baja project
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TOOLMAN
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Re: Timing Chain
Measured again last night and I'm at or near the 1/2" play required for replacement. So which do I get? Double roller? True Roller? Something cheap? Billet sprockets? I've never bought one before. I'm surprised (but really not) that this chain only lasted 40-50K. I want to install something that's going to last at least 80K miles!
Wilma - 71 1/2 Wagon; 3 1/2" WH lift, 1" BL, NP435, Chebby disc front, WH twin stick D20, EFI 302, Cool hood scoop, mucho cancer; purchased in 1990.
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Kinder
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Re: Timing Chain
It's the chain that wears, so a double roller would likely last longer. Not sure what benefit billet sprockets would add, bling maybe.
Best to Date MPG: 26.6