I have had a rattle coming from near the timing chain for a while now, and it has been getting worse. The timing chain is the only thing I can think of now. I removed the belt and ran the engine and the rattle is still there. The engine has felt pretty weak lately too.

My question is:
I know timing chains usually don't break, they just stretch bad or the teeth on the gears get worn. Should I put the effort into changin the chain? (I'm changing the motor next fall)

Also, I was reading through my POS Hayes manual, and it says for 87 and up, the timing cover can not be removed w/o dropping the base pan. Is this true? I've never had a problem on older smallblocks (other than it being a pain to squeeze the cover back on).
Thanks for the help

 

I wouldn't think you would be having a timing chain problem since you have replaced the cam. Unless you didn't change the timing chain then. you can remove timing chain cover without dropping the oil pan but its a cleaner install if you do.

 

You'll rip your oil pan gasket if you dont drop the front of the pan. Just the first few bolts, oil shouldnt run everywhere.

 

Thanks for the help. The cam has been in there almost for the life of the vehical, so the timing chain is old. It was done by a shop for the previous owner, I've only done cam swaps on older thirdgens.

 

Your timing (no pun intended ) couldn't be any better.

I've had that same noise since I got my car about 2 yrs ago, but it was very intermittent. Now it's become constant!

The only two things I could think of on my car is either the timing chain, or the water pump. Maybe I'll take my belt off and see if it's the water pump or not. If not, then I'll bet it's the timing chain.

AJ

 

AJ, that sounds identical to my problem. It used to be intermitent. I changed the waterpump (which was wining as well) but it didn't fix it. But the problem persists for me with the belt off. Oh well, I guess I'll pull the cover this weekend and let u know what I find.
-Carl

 

Yea... my engine swap may come sooner than expected

I've been building a 355 for my car for 3 yrs now. I guess I've had my share of high HP cars before, so I haven't been real motivated. But if I gotta go through the trouble of doing a timing chain swap, I may as well finish my engine build and throw that in there.

AJ