Can a small block timing chain jump a tooth?
Simple to verify without taking it apart. Just verify tdc using a piston stop. Rotate clock wise by hand until it stops. Mark the damper. Rotate opposite direction until it stops. Mark damper. exactly split the difference between these marks. This is actual TDC. Mark the damper again but boldly. Check the damper for broken/worn elastomer band for slippage.
You can do the TDC procedure with the driver valve cover off to also verify TDC /cam watching rocker arm movement during TDC finding procedure.
