22r/re chain replacement

[Patrolman]

Jon,

Here is a great site that shows the shiny links on both top and bottom. IF the bottom is 1 link off, there will be an extra link on the driver side, making that side loose. Simultaneously, there is 1 less link on the passenger side, making it really tight. Engine will run, but likely not great.
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/EngineMods/TimingChain.shtml
For everyone else, these are great instructions with pics!

-Jeff

[Brody]

Thanks Jeff! Thanks for yours, Bears and Scottys help on the phone, too. The chain in it was easily a full link too long and that was matched up to the extra used spare one. The extra/spare one also proved to be too loose. Jon ordered a new one from NAPA for $25.

Question: When we popped off the cover, the cam worm gear had a flattened/worn/damaged spot over part of two teeth...nowhere else. Neither was the distributor gear damaged in any way nor any other part or parts of any of the other gears. None of us could figure this one out. Any ideas?

Also there was a small piece of the aluminum cover that got chunked off because the chain was so sloppy...no other damage.

[4Runninfun]

thanks again brody, jeff, and scotty the help is appreciated. and jeff i did check the timing marks again and they were both correct so that was good at least. and like brody said i ordered a new chain from napa. Figured that for $25 bucks i can eliminate that as a potential problem, and i won't have to worry about that again for a good long while. All in all it was a good day (if somewhat frustrating) hopefully the new chain will solve the issues i've been having and i'll be able to start making runs :thunb:

[Patrolman]

If you are going through all the work to do the chain and the guides are old at all, you really should replace them. That is the most common failure in the chain setup on the single row chains. No extra work at this point to swap those. I have done the DOA kit a couple times. If I remember right, it includes the top gear and even the bottom gear. Also a new chain, guides, tensioner, etc. Worth the $ to put in good parts now and save the hassle later.