Simple timing chain question...

[crzycav86]

When I install the timing chains, and turn the engine a few times, the mating points of the chain and sprockets won't match up after again until after several revolutions, right? It doesn't take 2 revolutions for them to match up again, correct? I just wanted to make sure.

We were noticing that on the lower timing chain, the mating point with the idler sprocket was 2 chains away after 2 revolutions of the motor(putting piston #1 at tdc on compression stroke). And we kept thinking that the chain was skipping(we didnt have the tensioner on)... uhmmmm.. Thanks.

[DAEDALUS]

Yeah, that's a common misconception. Assume there are 20 teeth on the crank sprocket. The only way the marks would line up is if the number of links was a multiple of 20, like 100, 120, 200, etc. If the number of links was 102, for example, the mark would be off by 2 teeth (well, really 1 tooth) for each revolution.What's important is that the difference is the same for all marks. If the mark on the crank is 3 teeth from the chain, then all pairs should be 3 teeth apart.

[crzycav86]

Thanks a lot.

My dad mentioned that to us later after I had given up for the day.. but I guess now I know. Thanks again.