Master Q

If I recall correctly, usually when installing a timing chain, you put the engine in the top dead center, then put the bright links on the timing chain on the cam and crank shaft where the dimples are. My question is, without removing the water jacket, and if the bright links weren't installed where the dimples were, is there a way to tell if the timing chain is properly aligned with the crank shaft and cam? If I did install my timing chain off by one link, what are some of the symptoms I should be experiencing with my (1988, automatic transmission) 4runner? I notice I couldn't ever get the timing on my truck very accurate after I reassembled my engine. I also notice my idle, while not running very rough, is usually at 400-600 rpm, and at times, my truck just refuses to pick up when I give it the gas from a dead stop.

I replaced the timing chain and guides 6 months ago, and I am now currently replacing the head gasket, thermostate, and gonna try to get all the carbon and sludge build up in the intake manifold out. I just really don't want to have to pull the water jacket cover and crank shaft bolt off on my automatic transmission to see if my timing chain is off by one link.

Inferno451

Remove the valve cover. Put the engine at top dead center. The dimple on the cam sprocket should be just a hair to the left of the arrow on the rocker shaft support. There's a good picture of what it should look like at the bottom of this thread - http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=64295.0. Don't worry about the shiny links, they don't matter. Even if they were installed as intended, they only line up every 4 or 5 rotations anyway. If you're at TDC and the cam sprocket looks like it does in that thread i posted, you're AOK. Remember the camshaft spins at half crankshaft speed, so if it doesnt line up the first time just spin the crank another 180 degrees.