[85 vette]

Hey guys, I have an 85 corvette with a stock 350 in it with 170,000 miles on it. The other day while driving it just shut off. When i cranked it there was a funny jingling sound accompanying the normal starter noise so i decided to check it out before i ruined something. To make it short, i found that the rotor in the distributer was not anywhere near the #1 plug wire position when i put the timing mark on the damper to 0 or top dead center. I then found that the rotor wasn't moving at all when i turned the crank. My question is, assuming that the timing chain broke, if i make sure the crank timing mark is at TDC (and both valves on #1 piston are closed)and i put a new timing chain on, will i have to pull the distributer out to reset it's #1 plug wire position or will just lining up the timing marks on the cam and crankshaft gears be enough to set timing in the right position? I would appreciate any help. Thanks.

 

[lluciano77]

You will have to find out exactly what happened. If the timing chain did break, you will need to find out if the valves hit the pistons and bent.

I think it may have been the distributor gear. Pull the distributor and check it out. That is the easiest thing to check, so check it first.

 

[poncho62]

agreed.......Chevy timing chains rarely break, usually jump teeth 1st. Pull the distributer 1st. Either way, you should pull it.

 

[mikeweyman]

i found that when the timing chain breaks, the engine will wind over seemingly quicker and or easier than when the chain is in place.almost like winding it with no plugs.
just pop a valve cover off and wind it by hand, no valve movement, no chain. mike

 

[lluciano77]

Take off a valve cover. See if the rocker arms move when you spin the engine by hand. That will tell you if the timing chain is broken.

 

[67 Deuce 4 Me]

I agree with Mike no rocker arm movment=no chain.You can try putting the chain in first, no need to pull distributor it will still be in time with the cam , and see how she runs. Then you will know if the valves are damaged. I had an 89 vette. Pain in the arse to work on,

 

[85 vette]

timing chain

OK, First off thanks for answering so fast. I won't be able to check the valve train until tommorow but I do have another question. If the gear in the distributer was sheared wouldn't you be able to grab the rotor and turn it freely by hand? The rotor is in a fixed position and will not move even if the crank is turned. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to turn the cam yet either, to see if that made the rotor turn. thanks

 

[killerformula]

Hmm, I don't think timing chains can "jump teeth." Maybe they can stretch enough so that the timing is no longer lined up, but I've never seen them jump...

You're probably going to end up taking the pan off this motor and getting chunks of goodies out of the pan. As long as you're doing all that, how about a performance cam upgrade?!?!

:thumbup:

 

[lluciano77]

They have been known to jump a tooth. It usually happens when the chain is loose from being worn out. Or, when the plastic cam sprocket wears down or breaks a couple teeth.

 

[85 vette]

thats what i was just asking about in a new post about distributor shearing. I thought they had a plastic gear. I'm hoping I broke the plastic gear. thanks