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The machinist has installed the crank, pistons, cam, and valves and then when he tried to install the timing chain he said it was too short (tight) to install it.

He was responsible for sourcing the engine rebuild kit so I do not know where he got the rebuild kit from. I do have complete faith in him as he is old school (does not have email/computer) has been doing this a very long time and he works on phone calls and trusted vendors.

So the question I have (now) is has anyone heard of this issue? Could he have gotten a kit for a different engine? The pistons and rings fit fine.

So for contingency planning on my part...if the replacement chain and sprocket set he gets is also too tight then what vendor would you recommend to get it from?

THANKS!!!

Bill

Never head of that before but there is a chance he got the incorrect chain; 3 chains used 48-54. All 51-54 used one, 356 engine another, and all other 48-50 used the third. Perhaps he got the incorrect chain, I assume he knows they are a VERY snug fit new and there is a technique for installing.

Owen says>there is a chance he got the incorrect chain; 3 chains used 48-54. All 51-54 used one, 356 engine another, and all other 48-50 used the third. Perhaps he got the incorrect chain

I would not know. He got an engine rebuild kit and it had all of the parts in the kit so perhaps there was a wrong chain included with the kit.


>I assume he knows they are a VERY snug fit new and there is a technique for installing.

What is the technique for installing? I was not at the shop when he tried nor have I seen the project because I live in a different town. I ass-u-me'd that one simply places the crank at TDC and then aligns the timing marks and slides the chain and the gears on as one unit. What else different is there?

Any help is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

Bill