Need a Quick Answer! Timing Chain "Slop"
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Herriman UT
Need a Quick Answer! Timing Chain "Slop"
Just installed an LS2 timing set with #12586482 chain. The chain is not tight - 1/8" to 1/4" slop each side. What's up with that? Should I install the lifters and heads first? (Maybe the rear of the cam is lifting up?) When I repalced my L98 set-up the new chain was as tight as a banjo string.
Also, anyone know what torque for the timing chain dampener bolts?
Also, anyone know what torque for the timing chain dampener bolts?
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St. Jude Donor '03
They are sloppy. It's normal.
(most) LS1s didn't come with a damper, but yes, that's exactly why that piece exists if you do have one, to prevent chain wrap and binding.
If you are degreeing the cam, make sure to only spin the engine clockwise, to keep the loose side of the chain consistent. There's at least a few degrees of slop there if you back it up.
(most) LS1s didn't come with a damper, but yes, that's exactly why that piece exists if you do have one, to prevent chain wrap and binding.
If you are degreeing the cam, make sure to only spin the engine clockwise, to keep the loose side of the chain consistent. There's at least a few degrees of slop there if you back it up.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Herriman UT
The timing set I installed last week said it should have .003 to .006 of backlash.
Also, my block is drilled tapped for a dampener, but the bolt layout on the 04 dampener I bought is different so it won't work. Are there dampener versions for early blocks?
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Pro
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From: Vanceboro NC
What type of set was that? When one side is tight, I've got about 1/4" wag on the other side on the LS2 chain.
Also, my block is drilled tapped for a dampener, but the bolt layout on the 04 dampener I bought is different so it won't work. Are there dampener versions for early blocks?
Also, my block is drilled tapped for a dampener, but the bolt layout on the 04 dampener I bought is different so it won't work. Are there dampener versions for early blocks?
And the last one I installed was a Pro Gear, I don't use the LS2 chains.
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St. Jude Donor '03
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http://www.progearweb.com/4000/pg4210.htm
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St. Jude Donor '03
Really, you should try something other than LS2 timing sets.
http://www.progearweb.com/4000/pg4210.htm
http://www.progearweb.com/4000/pg4210.htm
Click the smiley if you fail to understand
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Burning Brakes
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From: Herriman UT
Here's where I'm coming from; I'm in the middle of a heads / cam swap (80,000 mi. LS1). Obviously while I'm in there a new timing set is in order. I think an LS2 set is adequate for my needs (Basically a daily driver). If there is a strong enough opinion for a timing set other than stock for my application I'm all ears. I was just asking if all was good with my present LS2 set install before I button it up.
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St. Jude Donor '03
Here's where I'm coming from; I'm in the middle of a heads / cam swap (80,000 mi. LS1). Obviously while I'm in there a new timing set is in order. I think an LS2 set is adequate for my needs (Basically a daily driver). If there is a strong enough opinion for a timing set other than stock for my application I'm all ears. I was just asking if all was good with my present LS2 set install before I button it up.
Pro
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And as you can tell from that thread there's going to be slack in all of them, it's just a matter of how much and how accurate it is when degreed.
Last edited by willyfastz; Mar 29, 2009 at 10:10 PM.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Herriman UT
I appreciate all the replies. If backlash is forward / rearward movement of the cam, mine has none with the retainer plate installed. Right or wrong, I was hoping to get away without degreeing the cam so I don't know if the slack issue will have any adverse affects.
I was just asking what other's experiences were with timing chain slack on a new set up and if mine was excessive. The FSM doesn't seem to address slack in the timing chain.
I was just asking what other's experiences were with timing chain slack on a new set up and if mine was excessive. The FSM doesn't seem to address slack in the timing chain.
Last edited by geezel; Mar 29, 2009 at 10:30 PM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Clearwater FL
I also didn't degree anything..
Get the crank mark to TDC, then rotate the cam CCW to take up the slack (don't move the crank) and see if the marks still line up.
Last edited by DuronClocker; Mar 29, 2009 at 10:28 PM.