m103 Installing timing chain following head install

[bdlefferts]

I just torqued down a rebuilt cylinder head and I'm trying to install the camshaft, timing gear, and timing chain but I can't seem to slip the chain around the gear. It seems too short! I don't have the tensioner installed either. Do I have to break the chain or should I be able to slip it over the timing gear and then install the tensioner?

Originally Posted by bdlefferts

I just torqued down a rebuilt cylinder head and I'm trying to install the camshaft, timing gear, and timing chain but I can't seem to slip the chain around the gear. It seems too short! I don't have the tensioner installed either. Do I have to break the chain or should I be able to slip it over the timing gear and then install the tensioner?

it should go back on fairly easy, try moving the crank left and right, the chain may be slightly knked, be sure that when you are moving te crank to hold tension on the chain, and not to turn it to much or with much forse so you don't damage valves

[bdlefferts]

What do you mean by moving the crank left and right? I've rotated the engine a couple of times using a 27mm socket while holding tension on the chain thinking their were kinks but the chain never "released" any more slack.

Originally Posted by bdlefferts

What do you mean by moving the crank left and right? I've rotated the engine a couple of times using a 27mm socket while holding tension on the chain thinking their were kinks but the chain never "released" any more slack.

if there were kinks that would have done it, did you do it with the head on or off?

[hihosilver]

when I mdid mine I took bailing wire and kept the chain and gear together, then slipped it back on cam, and yes you can get it kinked, you did remove the tensioner right, have someone hold up the chain and rotate athe crank just a little back and forth and pull up on chain, the last is put the pin back in the head for the rail

[bdlefferts]

After 3 days of troubleshooting, I still can't figure out why the timing chain is too short to go around the camgear and then slip onto the camshaft.

1. There are no kinks in the chain. The chain is smooth when I rotate the crank in both directions while hodling tension on the chain.
2. tensioner is not installed
3. the chain is the correct length, 96 links

I'm thinking of cutting the chain, pulling it out, and then rerouting a new chain. Is that possible to do? I'm open to other ideas or if someone in the SanDiego area is willing to come to the rescue, I'd greatly appreciate it.