Anyone think my cam timing changed??
 

I replaced a mechanical tensioner.

I made 1 mistake and did not place the distributor on TDC for cylinder 1. I realize now how stupid this was and if anone does this job, don't make my mistake.

I tied the chain to itself very tightly with plastic zip ties. I marked with dots of paint on the cam sprocket and chain before I removed the original tensioner. I marked with paint in 2 places so I could check after it was all done if the chain moved.

I removed the original tensioner. While trying to replace the tensioner I had to pull the chain downwards to get the tensioner and idler arm back in place which did move the cam a hair. When I did get it back in place the cam moved back to it's original position and the all of my paint dots still lined up.

I then removed all of the spark plugs and very slowly and carefully spun the fanbelt pulley. I felt no resistance all the way through. When I got to cylinder TDC cylinder 1, both the small dots on the cam were pointing directly up.

Anyone think I changed cam timing?

I would think if your timing was off these dots wouldn't both be pointing straight up at cylinder 1 TDC.

If it jumped 1 tooth, out of cuiousity how off these dots be from each other?

Thanks for everyone's help.

ian

One tooth would be noticable. It sounds like you're fine. The slack side of the chain can flop around as much as it can - only if the tension side moves do you have a problem.

One tooth would be noticable. It sounds like you're fine. The slack side of the chain can flop around as much as it can - only if the tension side moves do you have a problem.