How much slack in 4.3 timing chain?

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Barry Minchey - 24 Apr 2006 21:20 GMT

I started working on my 1989 GMC Safari to repair a coolant leak from
the water pump interface to the block. Saw that the original
crankshaft oil seal was leaking a good bit so I removed the timing
cover. On the tension side the chain is pretty tight, but on the
nontension side, I can wiggle about 3/8" of slack. The teeth of the
sprockets look pretty good but the van has 165K miles. Is there a
tolerance on chain slack? My Haynes/Chilton doesn't call one out.

Thanks!

Barry

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Steve W. - 25 Apr 2006 01:22 GMT

Replace it, 1/4" or so is OK.

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Steve W.
Life is not like a box of chocolates
it's more like a jar of jalapenos-
what you do today could burn your a.s tomorrow!

> I started working on my 1989 GMC Safari to repair a coolant leak from
> the water pump interface to the block. Saw that the original
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Barry

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Scott - 25 Apr 2006 04:39 GMT

>I started working on my 1989 GMC Safari to repair a coolant leak from
> the water pump interface to the block. Saw that the original
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Barry

If it has the link belt type chain and sprockets with the plastic
on the links to make it quiet I think I would get a kit with new
chain and sprockets.
Those engines are really a 350 with the front two cylinders
removed and it probably uses the timing set from one, which
should make a set fairly reasonable in cost.
And easy to change as you are looking at it.

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Scott - 25 Apr 2006 04:46 GMT

>>I started working on my 1989 GMC Safari to repair a coolant leak from
>> the water pump interface to the block. Saw that the original
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> should make a set fairly reasonable in cost.
> And easy to change as you are looking at it.

PS 3/8 inch isn't really all that loose.

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