Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Hello everyone,

My question is how much timing chain wear is tolerable. I have a 51' 300 with a 327. I think it jumped time by 180 degrees. When I pulled the timing cover off, the cam gear "O" marking were out 1/2 turn. I make sure the #1 piston was in the compression stroke and the rotor is pointing to #8 cylinder. The chain 3/4 - 1" of play.

What do you folks think?

Tim

Uh, if you turn your crank 360 degrees you will find that the timing marks line up. Can't recall if that occurs on #1 compression stroke, but seems to me it does not.Lay a penny in the spark plug hole and see when it floats up. The distributors can be installed 180 degrees out. I have corrected a few "no start" abandoned projects by pulling the dist and turning it 180 degrees.

But still, 3/4" play is way too much and timing chains are not that expensive. A new chain will often add performance and make those engines run cooler as the few degrees of retarding the cam caused by the chain stretch has a large effect.

G'day Tim(No1Packardman),
to PackardInfo.

And, I invite you to include your '51 300 in the Packard Owner's Registry.

Ross,

thanks for the reply and insight. I have ordered a new chain with gears. To find the compression stroke, I used my compression tester without the gauge attached to feel the puff of air hitting my face as I manually cranked the engine over. I will keep you all posted.

Tim

How do I register my cars?

Tim

Quote:

If you mean on this site, be logged in and select the Packard Owner Registry from the left menu. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page that opens and you will see a link saying Add your Packard to the Registry Click on that link and another page will open where you can fill in the requested data.

Tim,

This FAQ may help.

One more question. Is it possible to advertise on this forum? I would like to sell one of my Packards.

Tim

Yes, Please post your advertisement in the Packard Vehicles -For Sale, Wanted, Trade section. Pictures along with a good description and price will generate interest.

Steve

misterfixit.com/chanslop.htm

Basically, you don't want "any" within reason to be able to put on. There could be some wear showing from the dist gear with this method. Retest with the new parts, so you have a benchmark.

Another way to tell is if the timing light mark is moving around, back and forth(oscillating) can't set timing precisely. The old eyeball test was to remove chain, hold on it's side and observe static deflection, it should stay fairly straight and not sag more than a few degrees. Check the new one to get a mental feel for this.

In order to jump 180 degrees exactly, is something of a modern day "miracle" in automotive annals and the chain probably would've had to fall off on it's own.