pflaming Posted December 21, 2018 Report Posted December 21, 2018 What are the ways to change a timing chain? Do I need to remove the doghouse? I realize that would make the repair much easier. Quote
MBF Posted December 21, 2018 Report Posted December 21, 2018 Paul, I've never done one on a flatty, but I've done several V-8's and a slant 6. If you remove the radiator (which when I did mine involves removing the hood), water pump, and crank pulley you're now at the timing chain cover. This needs to be removed to get at the chain and gears. I'd replace the chain and both gears along with the front crank seal. I don't know if the crank pulley on the flattys is keyed or a tapered fit but you'll likely need a harmonic balance puller (not a jaw type of puller) if it is the later to avoid damaging the pulley assembly. Make sure you line up your timing marks correctly and doublecheck everything before putting it back together. Mike Quote
pflaming Posted December 21, 2018 Author Report Posted December 21, 2018 Mike, TKS. With that information, I'm going to pull the doghouse. My aged body won't allow that level of contorsioning. I need to adjust the valves as well and the front sans the doghouse is much easier to work on. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted December 21, 2018 Report Posted December 21, 2018 1 hour ago, pflaming said: Mike, TKS. With that information, I'm going to pull the doghouse. My aged body won't allow that level of contorsioning. I need to adjust the valves as well and the front sans the doghouse is much easier to work on. may be just the right opportunity to address those doghouse body seams from fire and water ordeal......you be halfway there as it is... Quote
pflaming Posted December 21, 2018 Author Report Posted December 21, 2018 Tim, I fully agree. As much as I hate to say it, a fire patina is different than original patina/paint. Eventually I will paint it. Since it seldom sits outside overnight, that provides some protection,, but that is short term. Suburban first, then paint the truck. Quote
JBNeal Posted December 21, 2018 Report Posted December 21, 2018 I think the engine would also need supporting while the front engine mount is removed... Quote
pflaming Posted December 21, 2018 Author Report Posted December 21, 2018 TKS. Will a timing chain break? I don't drive it much just now. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted December 21, 2018 Report Posted December 21, 2018 I have never seen a broken chain, I have seen a many that the chain has jumped time do to slack in chain and worn gear...in some cases the gears will take a hit...and in some particular brands it was common for a 'silent' gear to shatter and jump time...(think of better idea and shining light bulb here) this was common for more than one of their engine series... 1 Quote
Los_Control Posted December 21, 2018 Report Posted December 21, 2018 wonders if paint is required .... sigh Quote
DJ194950 Posted December 21, 2018 Report Posted December 21, 2018 Paint is Not a requirement but rust after not it using Is! ? As often said here it's your vehicle, do it your way. DJ Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted December 21, 2018 Report Posted December 21, 2018 11 minutes ago, Los_Control said: wonders if paint is required .... sigh only if you care to do your very best...... Quote
Don Coatney Posted December 21, 2018 Report Posted December 21, 2018 3 hours ago, pflaming said: TKS. Will a timing chain break? I don't drive it much just now. Exactly how many miles have you driven the truck after the fire? Seems you have had it towed more miles than you have actually driven it. Quote
Los_Control Posted December 21, 2018 Report Posted December 21, 2018 pflaming I know nothing about these flat 6's I had a toyota pickup that the timing chain stretched so much it slapped against the timing chain cover. I put a new chain and gears on it, ran like new. As it stretched, the timing would change as you gave it gas or let off the gas, I suspect eventually it could break, but the change in timing and the slap against the case is very annoying. My current project is the 49 dodge, using a stick to find noises, my chain is very noisy, I suspect a stretched chain, while the engine and valves seem quiet. My truck I have the dog house off, very simple to get to the issues I need to address, I need to set the valves, paint the frame, new brakes ... is all easier with the doghouse off. I have to ask myself, would I remove the doghouse for a timing chain? I dont think so. Same time, it really may be easier. flat head ford distributor, you have to stand on your head under the car to adjust the points .... removing the doghouse is a convenience. Quote
pflaming Posted December 21, 2018 Author Report Posted December 21, 2018 Driven possibly 2500 since fire, towed once, I was inebriated and played it safe. In California we enforce the laws for US Citizens! 2 Quote
Los_Control Posted December 21, 2018 Report Posted December 21, 2018 just saying, pull the dog house and do other needed maintenance while there Quote
Dodgeb4ya Posted December 21, 2018 Report Posted December 21, 2018 never ever seen a MoPar flat head chain break.... seen em loose as all get out. 2 Quote
Don Coatney Posted December 21, 2018 Report Posted December 21, 2018 18 minutes ago, Dodgeb4ya said: never ever seen a MoPar flat head chain break.... seen em loose as all get out. I agree. I have never seen a Mopar flathead chain break. Quote
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