Timing chain install

[David Eldridge]

Getting ready to put a new chain on my 318. Any recommendations for holding the cam while torquing the bolt down, or just let the chain hold it and hold the flywheel?

 

[flyfish]

With 35 ft-lbs, I doubt it would move much.....I'm a horrible person, and have never torqued that bolt on my motors. I just get it tight by hand (NOT saying that is the right thing to do...its just is what I have done).

 

[AJ/FormS]

Usually the sprockets have holes in them..... and the front of the block does too; which you can figure out how to use as anchors.
But 35pounds won't hurt a double-roller chain if you use the crank.
If you use a factory type nylon coated sprocket,well IDK, I've never done that.

 

[nm9stheham]

IMHO: Clean the cam sprocket bolt threads and the mating hole in the cam, and use a bit of blue locktite on that bolt. A little extra torque won't hurt.

 

[jbc426]

Getting ready to put a new chain on my 318. Any recommendations for holding the cam while torquing the bolt down, or just let the chain hold it and hold the flywheel?

Before installing the chain, soak it in synthetic gear oil on it's side overnight. Even better, warm the gear oil so it soaks in faster. It will wash out as your hot engine oil works its way into it.

That stuff has tripled or quadrupled my chainsaw's chain life, and virtually eliminated chain stretch on the last few motors I've built.

 

[David Eldridge]

Usually the sprockets have holes in them..... and the front of the block does too; which you can figure out how to use as anchors.
But 35pounds won't hurt a double-roller chain if you use the crank.
If you use a factory type nylon coated sprocket,well IDK, I've never done that.

Unfortunately the new gear doesn't have the small holes for the holding tool to go in so I'll probably have to rig something

 

[David Eldridge]

Thanks for all the input everyone!

 

[Krooser]

Use a large screwdriver to pry a bit between the block and cam sprocket..

 

[krazykuda]

Thanks for all the input everyone!

I usually set the timing marks on the gears on a work bench before installing, then carefully bring it to the engine without letting it skip a tooth... Put the crank gear on the key way and then turn the cam so the key way for the cam sprocket lines up...

Then check afterwards to verify the timing marks are properly lined up after installed up on the engine...

Especially with no heads on the engine, the cam will turn freely so you can line up the key way with the chain set to the sprockets...

 

[RustyRatRod]

With 35 ft-lbs, I doubt it would move much.....I'm a horrible person, and have never torqued that bolt on my motors. I just get it tight by hand (NOT saying that is the right thing to do...its just is what I have done).

I'm even worse. I put a couple drops of Locktite on and run it down with a 3/8 impact.