1981 Cherokee

[78 WIDETRAC]

While the cover is off I would rebuild the oil pump including getting end clearance right.

Good call. I'm sure I cab dig those old threads up.



Here is a better pic of the timing chain slack. It seems like a lot to me. Thoughts?

[rang-a-stang]

My thoughts: Timing chains are pretty cheap and you are already this far... Better to replace it and not need to, than not replace it and regret it a few months/year from now. I look at this like replacing a clutch but not doing the throw out bearing.

[fulsizjeep]

My thoughts: Timing chains are pretty cheap and you are already this far... Better to replace it and not need to, than not replace it and regret it a few months/year from now. I look at this like replacing a clutch but not doing the throw out bearing.

EXACTLY

You should be able to find a decent double roller timing set (2 gears and a chain) for less than $85. I personally don't use the stock style like you have. I don't even touch Crown or Omix-ADA parts with a 8 foot stick.

This one would be a good choice:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-3118/applications/make/american-motors?prefilter=1

[asphaltrockdweller]

EXACTLY

You should be able to find a decent double roller timing set (2 gears and a chain) for less than $85. I personally don't use the stock style like you have. I don't even touch Crown or Omix-ADA parts with a 8 foot stick.

This one would be a good choice:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...rs?prefilter=1

EXACTILLY!


All sage advice from Rang and Mr. Señor Jackhead up there.


Make sure when you replace the gear set that the cam-gears oil hole lines up with the cam.
sc/397 has LOTS of really great write-ups in his engine build threads on that.

[78 WIDETRAC]

Mark , Fullsize and Asphalt



I'm not sure how to quote each of you.




Thanks for the sound advice. I'm going to order that timing set and get things back together.

[78 WIDETRAC]

New Comp double roller timing chain in.










My next project is getting the timing cover cleaned and rebuild the oil pump. The gears have a couple of chunks out of both. All in all the pump housing and bottom plate look good.













I know there is a post on the board saying what grit of sand paper to use to get rid of the wear patterns on the bottom using flat plate glass and wet sandpaper. So I'll look for that.



What are you guy's having success with on the gunked up aluminum cleaning? Besides elbow grease.








On another note. I was looking closer at the intake and it looks like edelbrock forgot to finish the oil hole. I'll have to make it slightly larger.

[rang-a-stang]

I used easy off to clean my aluminum. It etches the aluminum too so if you are going to paint it, it sticks pretty good.

Hahaha! My oil fill hole looked just like that too! I opened mine up quite a bit with a round file.

[J76137]

I used easy off to clean my aluminum. It etches the aluminum too so if you are going to paint it, it sticks pretty good.

I learned this the hard way. Easy Off did a great job on grease removal but I left it on a piece of aluminum too long and it did a number on it.

While Easy Off does have multiple uses it is NOT a good idea to use it on everything.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmgqa8u9k_Y

[rang-a-stang]

I learned this the hard way. Easy Off did a great job on grease removal but I left it on a piece of aluminum too long and it did a number on it.

While Easy Off does have multiple uses it is NOT a good idea to use it on everything.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmgqa8u9k_Y

True life!!! Well said!

[levelhead]

On the oil pump and chain ...SC/396 is a engine Guru

[78 WIDETRAC]

I haven't been doing much other than cleaning and painting parts.


I have a bj's timing cover I was going to use, but it seems that the stock one is a better choice.



I hope to get it and the water pump installed later, If all goes well the intake also.



















I was able to get the 35's mounted on the Centerlines.

[78 WIDETRAC]

Not much to report. I pulled the oil pan so I could check out the bottom end.


I found a new oil pump gear set in my extra parts,


I just need to get an oil pan gasket on order so I can get it back together.



I spent a good portion of the last few weeks cleaning up the 79 chief and putting things back together.



I reinstalled the radiator and few other bits to get it running using the factory gas tank, I also removed the extra rear gas tank from the spare tire area. Next I started getting the exhaust pipes sealed up to the bottom of the manifolds and mounted the factory pipe back up to the t/case so everything will tuck up where it's suppose to go. I will put on a new cat and new muffler because they were busted and blown out.



My neighbors like a normal sounding jeep when they are as close as we are.



I really need to start a different thread on the 79. Maybe after it's a little closer to being a driver.







[url=https://ibb.co/vD012V8][/url]

[chubbinius]

All good progress, and the neighbors will appreciate it, I'm sure!

Need to replace the passenger exhaust manifold on mine (one of the ears to the exhaust/collector has cracked). My neighbor's wife said she "was wondering who had a motorcycle in the courtyard" and when she "went out to the driveway she realized it was my wagoneer warming up".

[78 WIDETRAC]

I finally got the last parts I've been waiting on. I hope to begin reassembly this week after work, provided we have good dry weather. I'd like to fire it up this weekend.

[rang-a-stang]

WOOOoooo hooooo!!! Love updates on this thread!!!

If you start a thread for your 79, post a link here, too.