Timing chain guide

[crguy]

Hello folks, what is the correct placement of the timing chain guide, should one set guide with pressure against chain or just touching? thanks

[tvrla]

What year is this? I think there were some changes over the years in the guide and tensioner, but I'm not an expert by any means. You might consult snowbum for all the details.

But tensioning the chain isn't rocket science. For one, the chain (in operation) has a side under tension and the other slack. The side that's pulling needs to have a straight shot to both sprockets. If the guide pushes on the chain preventing it from a straight shot, the chain will wear through the guide. It's only there to keep the chain from whipping around when power is off. The tensioner takes up the slack on the slack side. That side wants to whip around and the tensioner prevents that happening.

I don't recall how these are set up - if they've got something on both sides of the chain or just a tensioner on one side. But when you understand what's going on there it's pretty easy to figure out what needs to happen.

[crguy]

Thanks ws, it's an 83, your explaination is right on, I will set guide to just kiss chain...

[montmil]

The timing chain guide should not be pressing in on the chain. Doing so will wear out the guide pronto. Secure the guide so it parallels the chain. The tensioning shoe does just as its name says.

Are you inside the timing chest for a chain replacement?

[crguy]

Yes, first chain change at 110K miles, all went well, just wasn't sure with guide, I set it just touching chain...Guy