Re: Timing Chain Too Short...Have you ever heard of this issue???

Posted by Larry51 On 2015/7/4 3:26:33

When restoring my 1951 288 L8 I had an awful time getting the timing chain on. It was just a tiny bit too short and I spent HOURS trying to fit it. Chain was new (from Kanter IIRC), gear was original but in good condition. Everything else absolutely standard / original. It was just a very tight fit but when it did go on (after War Dances done and Offerings to The Gods) everything turned nicely and chain tension was good. I just tried a dozen ways and eventually one worked . . . Can't remember which way, but I tried many ways many times and eventually it went on.

My conclusion: just a mongrel of a hard job. Perhaps Kanter and MM have someone making these a little bit too small??

I'd heat it just a little - no need to give it heat that would alter hardness. Boiling water temp might do.