03 Timing Chain Question

[jeewiz13]

I just replaced my timing chain tensioner and cassette for the crankshaft to jackshaft chain. Is there suppose to be some play on the right side of the chain? Mine wiggles a little front to back. I just want to know if that is normal. Seems like it should be tighter. Thank you.

 

[McSlug]

Do you mean tensioner for the crank to jack shaft's and the cassette for the cam chain?
Or tensioner and guide for crank to jack shaft's?


I had a small amount of play when fixing my '98. I agonized over it for ages, thinking I'd done something wrong. then realized if I turned the engine by the crank instead of the jackshaft the slack moves to the tensioner side. Put it together and all's good so far 3 month's no probs.

How many mile's has the engine done?
What was the reason for replacing these updated parts? I'm curious to know how long they are lasting.

 

[jeewiz13]

I'm talking about the tensioner for the crank to jackshaft and the opposite side plastic thing. The main chain in the middle? I have 180k miles. There was a huge marble rattle going on the front side of the engine. After taking it apart, I found that the tensioner had worn out and broke. The springs from the tensioner were rubbing against the chain. I'm sure there is a plastic piece stuck in my oil pan because I couldn't locate the middle section. A job for another day on that. The engine ran perfect before taking it apart and I did not remove the chain or turn any sprockets while I was changing the tensioner. I'm assuming it is ok. Just want some reassurance.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Traction side slack

When I installed my new tensioner and pulled the pin there was still a little slack on the traction side. The compressed valve springs oppose the camshafts from rotating which oppose the jackshaft from rotating. After rotating the crankshaft a little almost all of the slack was eliminated. The crankshaft sprocket pulls the jackshaft sprocket via the chain on the traction side. The tensioner is there to keep the chain from vibrating on the tensioner side. Some engines (the GM 60 degree V6) have no tensioner at all. When 1/16 inch deflection is observed the chain is considered worn and replaced along with the sprockets.

If you remembered to pull the pin then the primary chain tensioning system is performing as designed.

 

[jeewiz13]

Just finished buttoning it up. Sounds a lot better but there is also some chatter at the back of the engine. Sigh.