Hi, I have posted this question in my build thread but I think I will get more answers here. I have done a top end rebuild and after installing my timing chain and head, when I set the crank to top dead center, this is where the dot on my cam gear is.



At first I was pretty sure it was okay, but people have made me doubt, so I am asking all the people who have done timing chain work to tell me if this is where the dot on the cam gear is supposed to be when the crank is at tdc. It is not straight up at 12 'o clock. Am I a tooth off? I really hope not I don't want to buy another head and timing chain gasket, and I don't want to do all that work again!

Thanks!

 

When I turn it by hand I seem to have good compression. I can't start the motor that way since I don't have a carb. I will be able to start the motor in about 2 months.

 

With the crank at TDC the guide pin on the end of the cam should be at 12 o'clock and the dot on the cam sprocket should be somewhere near 11:55. If it makes you feel better you can tighten down the bolt in the end of the cam and the cam gear will turn enouph to make it top dead center 12 o'clock
Without moving the crank.

 

that looks correct

 

Thanks msugoose, so if I hold the crank in place and turn the cam gear clockwise, and the dot is at 11:55 then my timing is good?

 

Is that a new or old chain?

 

It is not new, it is a double row with 70k mile on it.

 

That's what I thought. Timing chains do stretch so that is probably why you are off a bit. Also, if you had the block and/or head decked when you rebuilt it that will throw it off a bit too. It looks as though you may only be off about a half tooth on the crank sprocket, but not off quite enough to advance it a whole tooth at the crank. You should be ok though.

Here's a shot of mine, but mine had a new timing chain. Not quite as far off as yours but my difference would have been cause by decking the block and head. Plus I think that the fuel pump lobe in your picture angle makes yours look more off than it really is.

 

By checking your pic closely ours look about the same! My head has been milled 0,015" but not my block. What a relief! Thanks!

 

here are a few I know are correct..

 

awesome that looks close to mine, maybe 1 or 2 degree more to the right, but the fact that the head is milled and maybe there is a very little slack in the chain (not sure, will check next time I go to my garage) because of the tensioner, can add up to that 1 or 2 degree, with you guys help I can definately know that it is not a tooth off atleast!