how to tell if timing chain skipped a tooth

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First, if you have not moved the timing, by all means check it but do NOT move the distributor. IF the timing is way off what you knew it to be, then it's slipped, that is, assuming the engine runs poorly

Also, you can put a breaker and socket on the front crank bolt. Move the crank cw, then ccw, and "feel" for the end of slop in the chain. If you can move the crank 10* or so, then it's too loose.

If you have a "stocker" cam, you can check for what used to be called "split overlap." On older, stock cams, one one crank revolution, with no1 ready to fire, both valves are closed. On the next crank revolution, both valves would be "equally open" one opening, the other closing. You of course have to pull the drivers side valve cover to see this.

On more modern engines, 'specially with hot cams, this is not relevant.

"What" is this engine? If it's a stocker and you know or suspect it has a plastic top sprocket, and it has more that, say, 60K on the clock, then it's probably time to tear into the cam drive, anyhow. One big problem with plastic junk is that they can get into the oil pump and damage "stuff"
 
When checking for chain slop, popping the distributor cap off allows you to look for rotor movement when rocking the crankshaft back and forth with a breaker bar.

Rotate the crankshaft a quarter turn in the direction of the engine's normal rotation, then turn it the opposite direction. More than minimal movement of the bar's handle in the slack direction with the rotor not moving means a sloppy chain and/or gears.
 
Simple take the timing cover and take a look
 
Oh for God's sake guys, talk about goin around your asshole to get to your elbow. Man, just run a compression test on it. It'll show up like a straight guy at a homo convention.
 
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