Timing chain problem

[tluv327]

As you guys might have read in an earlier post, my timing chain broke on my 327. Gear teeth were shredded off the crank gear, chain broke in two, etc...

Well, I replaced the gears and chain with a cloyes roller and put everything back in place. I started the engine and got lucky. BUT - the chain was hitting the timing chain cover. The gears were flush against the engine and everything went back into place just fine. WHY?!?!? The harmonic balancer has slight wear in the groove wear the crank key fits which makes it a tad bit sloppy but not enough to make the chain so out of whack where it would slap the cover, correct?

I took the cover off and the chain was still tight and appeared to be plumb. Any ideas please !!!!

 

[vette-dude]

Two things to try. Use two gaskets behind the cover where it bolts to the block and use a cam stop button to keep the camshaft from walking forward. If you use a cam stop button--be sure to use the locking strip it comes with and install it properly. You might have to dimple the front of the cover where the button is to gain a little clearance. Sometimes Roller chain sets are a little wider and rub the cover. I think the manf. thinks you are going to replace the cover with an aftermarket one and these are usually a little deeper. The worn out keyway groove on your balancer might eventually either ruin your no 2 main bearing or snap the snout off the crak so I would repair that now also. Harmonic Balancers are relatively inexpensive ($30 to $40) at Autozone. Good Luck.

Randy

 

[tluv327]

Randy, I forgot to mention the cover is an aftermarket chrome one. And the chain hit the sides and the top of the cover...

 

[Jack]

Randy, I forgot to mention the cover is an aftermarket chrome one. And the chain hit the sides and the top of the cover...

All too often, the cheaper aftermarket covers will do this with wide chains ... cheap asian stampings with no QC. If yours is questionable, buy a replacement one from GM (ACdelco has a chrome one) or other good brands are Comp Cams & CV Products & Milodon. I'm running a true roller beneath a stock OE painted cover ... no probs ... we run a reinforced CV cover on the race car because it NEEDS a cam button ... a street car with flat tappet cam rarely (if ever) needs a cam button.If there's any play between snout & damper ... you must eliminate it asap ... new damper ... check snout for wear.
JACK:gap

 

[69MyWay]

I agree..you must have a defective cover for it to rub around the outside.

 

[vette-dude]

I have to agree with the others now that we have the rest of the story. Buy a new cover and forget the cam button. Don't buy one that says made in China, Mexico, Etc... Get a GM one and be done with it. Do replace that Dampener though.

Randy

 

[tluv327]

thanks for the info guys...I'll keep you posted....