1986.5 Z24i Timing Chain Tool

[Saudade]

I'm trying to pull the head without removing the TC cover. The FSM and a number of threads refer to the chain tool that wedges the chain and prevent the tensioner from popping out.

I found a few posts with measurements but neither of them seem to fit right. One was way to big. One seem to fit right but when I pulled the sprocket off the cam, the chain slipped a bit. Thankfully, I had the bolt still on so it didn't slip far. I managed to get the sprocket back on. So now I'm sort of stuck.

Do any of you have a picture and dimensions for the wedge? Googling around finds some on Amazon too but one says L20 and the other says up to '86.

I really don't want to pull the TC cover off if I can avoid it.

TIA

[mouse53]

If I remember right it is just a piece of wood you cut in a wedge shape to hold the chain from falling off the crank gear. Is your avatar the Gorn from Star Trek tv series? Just curious.

Oh yea I made mine about 9 inches long and the wedge was from 0 to about 2inches, made from a 2X4 . My first time doing the head gasket change was from a heater hose cracked and blew, I was in heavy traffic , couldn't get to water as I was in the middle of 3 lanes. watched as the temp gauge went to 3/4 to I'm screwed. Already had the heater on full, but it was over a 100 out, bumper to bumper, felt kinda helpless, and we were moving just enough so I couldn't turn it off.

[mouse53]

I should also mention that I was not paying attention when installing the head and let the chain drop. The tensioner sprung past the timing chain and we had to start all over from the timing cover off. It needed a new tensioner, so just as well .