When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
If you drive a C3 and you don't know if or when your timing chain and gears were replaced, replace them now!
My car was idling on the driveway on 9-24-20 and it died. Heard noise at the timing chain cover when I went to restart it, so I had my neighbor help me push it into the garage. Original timing chain setup from the factory with 55K miles.
Dived in today and here is what I found.
Is that one that came factory with nylon covering on the teeth? That was a good idea gone bad. Designed to be quieter, but didn’t last as long. Did you find nylon inside the TC cover?
Don’t know what year yours is, but could be about that time frame.
I see its stamped GM, but something tells me that is not the original sprocket. I have had BBC before and don't recall that protrusion at 2 o' clock nor do I recall those type of cam bolts. But maybe.
Front engine mount on the drivers side? What is that?
The little arrow at 4 o'clock. Is that the timing mark instead of a dot? I don't remember those either.
Before you remove anything, I would line everything up at TDC #1 firing position. Makes it a lot easier when installing the new set.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Oct 15, 2020 at 07:27 PM.
I see its stamped GM, but something tells me that is not the original sprocket. I have had BBC before and don't recall that protrusion at 2 o' clock nor do I recall those type of cam bolts. But maybe.
Front engine mount on the drivers side? What is that?
The little arrow at 4 o'clock. Is that the timing mark instead of a dot? I don't remember those either.
Before you remove anything, I would line everything up at TDC #1 firing position. Makes it a lot easier when installing the new set.
The chain jumped so he needs to start from scratch.
71 Green 454. Other than timing chain and spockets, I pre-suppose no other damage was done.
This is what we call in Engineering 'fail soft'. Best place to die is in the driveway!
Of course you know now-a-days much better T/C sets are available... so bonus THERE.
Here is my supporting story on THIS;
My buddy had/has a '72 L-48 'Survivor' Convt. Passed down from his Dad. He's about 60 now. He's had the car for about 15 years.
"Hey Hal the car is making a funny noise, can I bring it by the house"
Me; "Sure"
I look and poke and prod...and see that there is a slightly dented soft spot linear-like on the T/C cover.
My mechanics stethoscope is telling me TIMING CHAIN. (from that area)
It had stretched out SO MUCH, that it was slapping/ running on the outer cover!
52,000 miles.
So Green 454....a cautionary tale for all of us!
Cordially Unkahal
ps...in a way I'm glad I was wrong about the tach-drive....'coz that is a lot of damage when that seizes!
I've owned the car for 45 years this month, and the timing chain cover has never been off since I've owned the car.
It will be interesting what I find in the oil pan.
Last edited by 71 Green 454; Oct 15, 2020 at 09:49 PM.
Does the bottom gear on the crank come off as well ?
Just wondering for learning purposes how it comes off with the engine in the car ?
Is replacement a 3 part set... chain and two sprockets
Thanks,
Marshal
Does the bottom gear on the crank come off as well ?
Just wondering for learning purposes how it comes off with the engine in the car ?
Is replacement a 3 part set... chain and two sprockets
Thanks,
Marshal
I used a puller to remove the crank gear. You can purchase the items separately, but it's best to buy new timing chain set.
I plan on using a Cloyes 9-1110 double roller set.
No problems removing the harmonic balancer and associated timing chain stuff with engine in the car. This was my first time removing a harmonic balancer, boy was it tight. I don't look forward to putting it back on.
Last edited by 71 Green 454; Oct 16, 2020 at 11:40 AM.
I changed the timing chain in my 81 "just because" at 109,000. FYI: check your timing after everything is back together. My timing advanced by 2 degrees due to the fact that the timing had previously been set with a lot of stretch in the chain.
71Green 454,
So you used a gear puller for the bottom sprocket and how did you get the balancer off? Is it pried off around the outside diameter equally?
Then how does the new gear get pressed on properly so they are seated correctly?
I wish I had time when these projects pop up locally I would come and watch the install...... with a proper invite of course lol.
Marshal
71Green 454,
So you used a gear puller for the bottom sprocket and how did you get the balancer off? Is it pried off around the outside diameter equally?
Then how does the new gear get pressed on properly so they are seated correctly?
I wish I had time when these projects pop up locally I would come and watch the install...... with a proper invite of course lol.
Marshal
If you pry around the outside, you have just ruined your balancer. You use a three-arm puller that attaches to the balancer via the threaded holes for the pulley bolts.
If you pry around the outside, you have just ruined your balancer. You use a three-arm puller that attaches to the balancer via the threaded holes for the pulley bolts.
Correct, I used a harmonic balancer puller on the HB, and a gear puller on the crank gear.
Timing Chain Announcement
Not a chance. I have seen a dozen of them.
