Timing chain dilemma

[lurtch]

Hello All - - need a little help with this one

So I am mid-stream on an engine transplant (M130.980  s/n 038218).  The overhauled bottom end is ready to receive the good-as-new cylinder head. The engine machine shop, of course, had no involvement with the timing chain.

  My project is stalled out right now because the new chain can only be spooled onto the crank sprocket by rotating the crank to pull it around. Because of the tight clearance around the crank sprocket it does not appear to be possible to disengage, move it and reengage the chain like one would do on a bicycle.

So the problem here is  - - -  at what crankshaft position do I begin engaging the new chain so that the end joining link will be at the correct spot up on the camshaft sprocket?  I want #1 piston to end up on TDC when I engage  the sprocket up on the camshaft  - - - correct?

 Do I need to mount a degree wheel on the crank stub?  Does anyone  know what this "start engaging"  position might be?  How would a shade-tree mechanic do this ?   ( not that there are ever any of THOSE GUYS working on these cars!   - - -  yeah right! )

The BBB ides not give an adequate explanation for this procedure.

Thank for any help - - Larry in CA

[ja17]

Hello Larry,

You will find out that it is not that critical. Just wind about half the chain on one side and half on the other. Then move the engine to TDC. If you leave the rockers off the head then the chain can be hooked up will no fear of pistons running into the valves. Rotate and adjust the timing chain until you are right on then install the rockers.

Adjustments can be made by poping the camshaft sprocket off, turning the cam  and re setting the chain without breaking it.

[lurtch]

Hi Joe - - - Thanks for your speedy reply

 I figured that I would probably have to use the trial-and-error method to find the sweet spot. Your way makes it even easier than that. Thanks again!

Larry in CA