symptoms - timing chain slop
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,740
Likes: 2,583
found this idea on the internet
1. Remove the distributor cap so you have a clear view of the rotor from the front of the engine.
2. Turn the crankshaft bolt counterclockwise until the timing mark on the balancer is at zero on the timing tab. You probably should remove the plugs to prevent any chance of loosening the bolt and have the trani in neutral.
3. Now turn the crank clockwise until you see the rotor start to move and then stop turning.
4. Supposedly 3 to 5 degrees of slack is within acceptable range 10 or more new chain
1. Remove the distributor cap so you have a clear view of the rotor from the front of the engine.
2. Turn the crankshaft bolt counterclockwise until the timing mark on the balancer is at zero on the timing tab. You probably should remove the plugs to prevent any chance of loosening the bolt and have the trani in neutral.
3. Now turn the crank clockwise until you see the rotor start to move and then stop turning.
4. Supposedly 3 to 5 degrees of slack is within acceptable range 10 or more new chain
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 1,728
From: Summerville SC
If you get into this project, I just found out ( probably been around for awhile) about 2 piece timing chain covers. One piece bolts up and goes into the pan. The second part bolts to the first part, so you can remove the entire cover without touching the pan. Will make this chore much easier for the NEXT owner of your C3!
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,601
Likes: 7,047
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
A timing light can be used also......
with the timing light connected/distributor vacuum hose plugged/engine idling.......
the timing mark should remain constant at the timing tab....
Example: if the timing is set at 6 degrees the mark should stay at the 6 degree hash mark (unless the rpm fluctuates---as some engines have a milli-second miss a few times a minute)........
The mark on the harmonic balance should not "move" constantly
Just make sure there is no excessive side-to-side or up-and-down play in the distributor shaft before you do the timing light test as it could cause fluctuations of the timing mark.
with the timing light connected/distributor vacuum hose plugged/engine idling.......
the timing mark should remain constant at the timing tab....
Example: if the timing is set at 6 degrees the mark should stay at the 6 degree hash mark (unless the rpm fluctuates---as some engines have a milli-second miss a few times a minute)........
The mark on the harmonic balance should not "move" constantly
Just make sure there is no excessive side-to-side or up-and-down play in the distributor shaft before you do the timing light test as it could cause fluctuations of the timing mark.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
If you get into this project, I just found out ( probably been around for awhile) about 2 piece timing chain covers. One piece bolts up and goes into the pan. The second part bolts to the first part, so you can remove the entire cover without touching the pan. Will make this chore much easier for the NEXT owner of your C3!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,941
Likes: 35
From: El Cajon California
A timing light can be used also......
with the timing light connected/distributor vacuum hose plugged/engine idling.......
the timing mark should remain constant at the timing tab....
Example: if the timing is set at 6 degrees the mark should stay at the 6 degree hash mark (unless the rpm fluctuates---as some engines have a milli-second miss a few times a minute)........
The mark on the harmonic balance should not "move" constantly
Just make sure there is no excessive side-to-side or up-and-down play in the distributor shaft before you do the timing light test as it could cause fluctuations of the timing mark.
with the timing light connected/distributor vacuum hose plugged/engine idling.......
the timing mark should remain constant at the timing tab....
Example: if the timing is set at 6 degrees the mark should stay at the 6 degree hash mark (unless the rpm fluctuates---as some engines have a milli-second miss a few times a minute)........
The mark on the harmonic balance should not "move" constantly
Just make sure there is no excessive side-to-side or up-and-down play in the distributor shaft before you do the timing light test as it could cause fluctuations of the timing mark.
