no power!

[rando]

has any one had a streched timing chain? i just got a 78 cherokee and it has no ballz at all, compression seems good new plugs, wires, dist caps good, but the chain has 15deg of play (rotor test), does anyone know if this could be it? my exp with timing chains is not massive lack of power... :confused:

[Jeep20]

Just curious, how did you test the chain for stretch by the rotor?

[rando]

hey, what ya do is turn the crankshaft with a socket till you see the timing mark and set it at tdc, then you take the distributer cap off and watch the rotor as you turn the crank counter clock wise, as soon as you see the slightest movement in the rotor, stop. then check to see how much slack ther is on the timing indicator. it's in the manual if you want more detail, but i was told any more than 10 degrees out and you shoul replace the sucker.

[Jeep20]

I've never checked a chain for stretch but that does sound like a good way to do it. 15 deg does sound like alot and it probably should be replaced, but I have never had an engine fall flat on its face just because of a loose chain, could be though. When I rebuilt my 401 I thought the chain was VERY loose, and it still had decent power. If it's not in the timing and it runs OK maybe it's in the carb.

[rando]

thanks for the input, my friend suggested the camshaft may be worn as well but i'll try the carb first!

[The Anti-Chrysler]

You may need to give the timing a serious boost to compensate for that slack. If it's really that bad, I would change it out soon. If the accelerator pump in the carb is functional, and it's relatively clean, that's probably not your problem.

[The Anti-Chrysler]

Additionally, if you put the specs of your rig in your profile, it would help us to help you. Go into "my profile" on the top. Especially let us know what engine you have. If you have a 258-six, you're not going to have a race car, no matter how well tuned it is.

[89grand]

These are really stupid but they might help if your truck has no balls.

http://www.trucknutz.com/

[NomadJack]

I think a real potential issue with a stretched timing chain is the possibility of the chain slipping and possibly creating some real havoc. I would get that changed as soon as possible. I would also agree that the cam is potentially worn. You can measure the lobe lift on the rocker if you have the proper equipment. That will tell you a lot about the state of the cam without having to tear down the engine too much.