Thread: Can't get enough slack in timing chain after tensioner removed

Pretty sure, all I did was remove a few hoses and the spark plug wires to get the valve cover off. Unless I'm nuts I put them back on right, as they are numbered 1-4. Going to pull the valve cover again in a few min

Take plug #1 out, and stick a long screwdriver down the hole. Rotate the engine slowly until the screwdriver indicates TDC, then take a clear pic showing the cam gears, and the chain.

C

Do what Chris said and report back. Only way you will figure it out. If you pull all the plugs and get a socket to fit the crank pully bolt, you can spin the motor pretty easily. Do it till you are at TDC.

How about that plug near the distributor? The one near that hose that goes from the valve cover to the intake hose.

Also, by experience I know the car will start still having a tooth off either back or forward. If your car does not start is may be a plug or may be u r more than a tooth off. Please get a picture

Hmm, interesting. I remember when my friend broke a rocker arm in his '97 SE-R we had to take the cams out to replace it and he ended up being off by a tooth and it was doing the same thing, feeling like it wants to start but not quite there. I just adjusted the chain again and still the same thing, argh this is the 5th cam swap I've done and never had any problems. So bizarre

Okay thanks, I will have to do that and work on it more tomorrow because I am running out of light (no garage )

On the plus side I am becoming an expert at removing and reinstalling the valve cover. By now it's taking me less than 5 minutes.

Edit: will be working on it again tomrw, if it doesn't rain. Has been raining for 2 days

Well, snapped the intake cam at the sprocket. Not a huge deal, live and learn, got them cheap and I have 2 other cars and it's not my DD - but, damn. 5th cam swap and never had any problems like this. I failed. It's funny, I bought this car just for fun and to relieve stress and have something to play with & work on, and now it's caused (or I caused) more stress anyway.

Going to meet up with sernewbie to get the C2 cams installed and retainers this weekend