I assume this isn't right...

[caduceus]

After removing the timing cover this morning, I noticed this:

http://vid205.photobucket.com/albums/bb202/cbra450...

Nothing else was undone or slackened off. Just the water pump and timing cover removed. Am I right in assuming this is too slack? It's the first time I've changed a cam, so not familiar with chain tensions. But this does seem slack to me.
Can someone well informed/experienced advise please?

Cheers
Cad

[stevieturbo]

They all stretch over time, if you wanted you can replace it, they arent expensive and it's already apart.

[caduceus]

stevieturbo said:

They all stretch over time, if you wanted you can replace it, they arent expensive and it's already apart.

Granted. But what I mean is, is this excessively slack? Would it have been on the verge of breaking? How badly stretched is it?

[stevieturbo]

It is very rare for a chain to break, and given it is apart anyway I would be changing it

[Super Slo Mo]

As you have to take it off to change the cam it seems to me that it'd be a false economy to put the old chain and sprockets back on. They have a finite life, and your cam timing will be a touch out anyway due to the stretch.

[Evoluzione]

I remember asking a Pro mechanic friend of mine when to change the cam chain on a van I had.

"Is it slapping on the chain cover?" Said he.
"Nope"
"It's all right then isn't it?"

[caduceus]

I guess it's not as bad as I first thought then, given the replies. Thanks by the way.
I was going to change it anyway, using the same train of thought as the followers and cam. The followers are starting to get the haylow signs on them showing early wear. Silly not to change the cam as well.
The harmonic balancer will be getting sorted too, along with all seals.

I did notice a kind of floating dearing/cog in housed in the timing cover. It can be unscrewed. Anyone shed any light on this? It's not shown in the Haynes manual I'm using.

[350zwelgje]

If you change the cam you always must replace the hydraulic followers, never re-use them.
As mentioned before, nothing wrong with the chain.
Would replace the chain with a duplex version and metal camshaft sprocket (not the standard plastic one).

Rob

[anonymous-user]

Rv8s have always had pretty slack chains, but i'd say that is definitely worn. Considering how cheaply you can buy a replacement timing chain kit (gears and chain) i'd say change it while you're there!!

[Sardonicus]

There is RV8 slack and then that ...... and thats fked

[caduceus]

Sardonicus said:

There is RV8 slack and then that ...... and thats fked

Ah. I knew somebody would be along with a technical explanation for it

[caduceus]

Simon. Do I need to buy a 'puller' to remove the crankshaft timing gear/sprocket? The cam sprocket just slides off when you go to move it. But the lower/crank sprocket won't budge. Something to do with the keyway I suppose...?

[Sardonicus]

caduceus said:

Simon. Do I need to buy a 'puller' to remove the crankshaft timing gear/sprocket? The cam sprocket just slides off when you go to move it. But the lower/crank sprocket won't budge. Something to do with the keyway I suppose...?

Should not need a puller try a paint stripper gun to warm it up then just tap off

[caduceus]

Sardonicus said:

hould not need a puller try a paint stripper gun to warm it up then just tap off

I can't help but notice the winking smiley. Does that render your reply firmly in the sarcasm sector, or were you being serious?
You mean a blow torch right? Please confirm because I don't want to fk this up.

Cheers

[Boosted LS1]

Sardonicus said:

There is RV8 slack and then that ...... and thats fked

I've never seen one that slack but the OP seems to have a nice way of caressing it, he he.

[caduceus]

Boosted LS1 said:

I've never seen one that slack but the OP seems to have a nice way of caressing it, he he.

I did wonder if that would elicit a response after watching the upload. I should open up a massage shop called 'Lucky Finger Massage'

[Steve_D]

caduceus said:

Sardonicus said:

hould not need a puller try a paint stripper gun to warm it up then just tap off

I can't help but notice the winking smiley. Does that render your reply firmly in the sarcasm sector, or were you being serious?
You mean a blow torch right? Please confirm because I don't want to fk this up.

Cheers

In case you don't get an answer you should not need a puller. Heat from a hot air gun should be all you need if it's stuck. A blow torch is probably a bridge too far so a puller would be the next move.

Steve

[caduceus]

Steve_D said:

In case you don't get an answer you should not need a puller. Heat from a hot air gun should be all you need if it's stuck. A blow torch is probably a bridge too far so a puller would be the next move.

Steve

I used to have one but threw it due to lack of use :|
I'll see if I can borrow one off a neighbor. Cheers Steve.

[Sardonicus]

caduceus said:

I used to have one but threw it due to lack of use :|
I'll see if I can borrow one off a neighbor. Cheers Steve.

When I said paint stripper gun I was referring to a hot air gun but you have been served from Steve D so that should do it and no I wasn't being sarcastic

[DVandrews]

Is there a duplex chain option....

Dave