Author Topic: HELP! problem with timing chain install (Read 3582 times)

VegasKyle · « **on:** December 12, 2010, 03:54:57 PM »

I'm installing new timing chain components today. I got everything in and am at the step in the Bentley manuel where you tighten the crank bolt, remove the flywheel locking tool and turn it over by hand.

Here is the problem. I took out the tool and I still cant get it to move. It's like the tool is still in there. The crank bolt won't move an inch.

What could be causing this?

Thanks for the help.

B318M42W · « **Reply #1 on:** December 12, 2010, 06:05:31 PM »

check your cams before trying anything. make sure that the lobes on cyl 1 are correct. also, is your car in neutral?

VegasKyle · « **Reply #2 on:** December 12, 2010, 06:20:15 PM »

Quote from: B318M42W;99568

check your cams before trying anything. make sure that the lobes on cyl 1 are correct. also, is your car in neutral?

Car isn't in gear. Cams are perfect, the lobes point towards each other and the squares on the back are parallel. The tool I was using to lock the flywheel didn't break off either.

I have NO IDEA what could be causing this.

Is there any way the new chain could be too tight?

B318M42W · « **Reply #3 on:** December 12, 2010, 06:57:18 PM »

spark plugs removed? remember how hard it was to turn before? dropped/forgot something in the timing case? the chain shouldn't be too tight as the tensioner is not extended yet.

VegasKyle · « **Reply #4 on:** December 12, 2010, 07:38:22 PM »

Quote from: B318M42W;99570

spark plugs removed? remember how hard it was to turn before? dropped/forgot something in the timing case? the chain shouldn't be too tight as the tensioner is not extended yet.

The spark plugs are loose, I didn't loosen them the first time and was still able to turn the crank without much effort. All tools are accounted for but I don't think I have any option but to take everything apart and start over. The tensioner is already extended per the instructions in the Bentley.

DPINEDA · « **Reply #5 on:** December 12, 2010, 08:28:00 PM »

I just finished my rebuild. Didn't run into anything like that though. Could be the chain got out of position on one of the lower sprockets.

Before you take everything apart, lock your cams again, take off the two cam sprockets and see if you can turn the engine over now. Give the chain a little pull from both sides to make sure the the lower sprockets teeth are correctly positioned inside the chain.

What did you use to lock the flywheel? Maybe a little piece broke off and its still in there?

VegasKyle · « **Reply #6 on:** December 12, 2010, 09:59:40 PM »

Quote from: DPINEDA;99575

Could be the chain got out of position on one of the lower sprockets.

What did you use to lock the flywheel? Maybe a little piece broke off and its still in there?

Someone else said the chain could have got caught between the crank sprocket and lower guide. I was sure I looked everything over before I put the lower cover on but at this point I can't rule anything out.

I thought about the flywheel. The plug was missing so I thought maybe when I put the pin in, it dislodged something and got caught. However, The first time I locked the flywheel it was 180* from TDC and I had no problem removing the pin and turning the crank. The dowel I used to lock it is chromed and I confirmed nothing broke off.

Is there anything else that could cause the flywheel to bind up?

rjcaptsean · « **Reply #7 on:** December 17, 2010, 07:34:10 PM »

did you ever figure out what was causing this? I have heard of Clutch discs sticking and if the trans was in gear, that might keep it from moving.

Another question, after reading up on this, I'm not quite clear. Do you need to remove the chain just to replace the guides and tensioner piston?

VegasKyle · « **Reply #8 on:** December 18, 2010, 11:19:11 AM »

Quote from: rjcaptsean;99704

did you ever figure out what was causing this? I have heard of Clutch discs sticking and if the trans was in gear, that might keep it from moving.

Another question, after reading up on this, I'm not quite clear. Do you need to remove the chain just to replace the guides and tensioner piston?

I'm goin to tear it all down today/tomorrow and see what is what.

You do NOT need to remove the chain to replace the tensioner. You DO need to remove it to replace all the guides.

VegasKyle · « **Reply #9 on:** December 18, 2010, 09:31:49 PM »

FIXED!!!

I removed both timing case covers, everything still looked good. I then took off the cam sprockets, chain, tensioner, crank sprocket and lower guide. I didn't see anything that looked out of place. I took the harmonic balancer/pulley assembly and put it on the crank and tried to turn it by hand. Low and behold it moved! I then took a rag and wiped out the lower part of the case before putting the crank sprocket back in and found a piece of the old chain guide about the size of my thumb nail. I reinstalled everything and it cranked over by hand no problem. I guess that little piece of plastic was interfering with the crank sprocket in some way. Hard to believe it was enough to keep me from being able to make it budge.

Only other issue was not being able to get the power steering belt back on. I loosened the screw on the bracket but the pump wouldn't move. The bracket that holds the spark plug wires on the side of the valve cover also broke. Other than that I'm just happy to have this car back on the road.

bbarnumboy · « **Reply #10 on:** December 21, 2010, 12:26:48 AM »

congrats. Hate when those little things get in the way. good luck with the finished product.