Hey y'all, wanting to run this by some of the experts on here before I go tearin' out the front of my 87 22r 4x4 to get to the timing chain. Symptoms are bucking under load (low rpm), runnin' rich (or so I thought), skipping, missing, but at higher rpm would do a little better. Initially, thought it may be AAP, vac. Leak, or problem with spark delivery. I've ruled out spark after much headache, and decided to move on to timing before de smogging the thing to rule out vac. Leaks.
I observed the timing mark to be WAY forward of 0 with #1 @ TDC. Took crank pully bolt off, and key notch is still in line with said timing mark. After turning the crank by hand a few times, re observed the timing mark (again #1 @ TDC.) to be right on 0! I have limited mechanical experience, so this threw my brain for a loop. All I can come up with is the timing chain has alot of play in it somehow (broken guides, tensioner busted?). Is the fix gonna be a timing chain kit, and redo the timing? thanks for your imput.

 

Pull the valve cover, shine a light down the timing chain to look at the guide. The last time mine went out the guide looked ok but the hydraulic tensioner wasn't working correctly. Does it rattle for few seconds when it fires up? If it does it needs a chain. Timing jumping around is another clue.