Anyone think my cam timing changed??

[IAN]

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

[john_colasante]

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.

[john_colasante]

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.