timing chain help!

Hello ... I'm new to the forum and a new owner of a 74 grabber maverick. The kid who owned it before me raced it and lord knows what he did to "upgrade" for racing. I've had to change the selenoid, the brakes, and a few other things ... but right now ... it's starting when it wants to and backfired twice yesterday. A couple of my friends are looking at it now ... and think the timing chain will need to be replaced ... and maybe a few other things.

Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions for doing this? I REALLY need some help and would appreciate any advice from you experts!

Thanks .. and I hope to hear from someone soon ...

 

Put a light on it and see if the mark is all over the place

 

Howdy and
Although a timing chain can go bad, I would look else where first. If the car has points, first thing I would do is install a new set, or better yet, convert it over to electronic ignition. Do a good tune up on it first. Then put a timing light on it and see where your marks are.

 

welcome aboard

 

welcome to the board and good luck with the car.

 

You should look on the NAPAonline site for parts. I have ordered a few parts from them and their service is great.
Ken

 

definately try the easier tune up first. if you do change the TC, you will want a gear/pulley puller and the socket for the harmonic balancer bolt. make sure you get the coolant drained good before pulling the cover, and if you arent planning on replacing the whole oil pan gasket right away loosen all the pan bolts before pulling the chain cover. when its back together, change the oil before running it just to play it safe. check your fuel pump since you have to take it off to make sure its good and if you dont have a new water pump you might want to change it as well. make sure to align the marks on the old one before you pull it and be careful that they stay aligned when you put the new one on. the water pump bolts are different lengths so i get a tray for my bolts and align them how they came off the engine to make sure i get them back in the same order. probably covered some things you already knew. good luck

 

thanks for your replies!

Thank you thank you thank you!!! The overwhelming response from the members of this site are much appreciated.

"Sassy J" (as I call her) will have her timing issue solved when I change to an electronic ignition (as that is the root of many of her problems these days).

I appreciate the advice and the comments. I hope to talk more with you all in the future and am glad to be a member!