Need cam timing help on a naps-z motor.

Lo Cash John · Jun 1st, 2004, 09:02 PM

I've just replaced the head gasket on a friend's 87 pickup. Now, as I'm putting it all back together I've run into a couple of stumbling blocks.

1. The timing mark I put on the timing chain with a Sharpie marker has...you guessed it, rubbed off!! Does anyone here have any advice that does NOT include removing the front cover? If not, I believe I have a workable solution if I can get this next problem solved. Which leads us to...

2. While I had the head off, I kept the the timing chain pulled tight so it would not fall down into the motor and off the crank gear. Now that I am trying to put the cam gear back on, it seems like the chain tensioner may have taken up some more slack. I CAN NOT for the life of me bring the timing gear (with timing chain on it) up high enough to get onto the end of the cam. Is there a way to get some slack here??

I tell ya', these "Just by the parts and I'll do the work for ya' cause you're a friend" jobs are always a pain in the rear. Why is it buddy jobs are never something fun like "Hey my new 540 inch twin turbo injected Chevy 2 isn't hooking up. Do you think you could dial it in for me if I buy any parts it needs?" Why!?! Why is life never that good???

If this isn't the forum for this, please advise me which would be best. I'm gonna go ahead and put it in the normally aspirated motor forum too.

Thanks in advance.

aaronford · Jun 1st, 2004, 09:37 PM

Wish I could help... Sounds like you need to set the timing via the marks. Front cover/oil pan? removal sort of thing. Also sounds like you need to retract the tensioner. Most of them have a spot for nail/wire to hold it back while you set the chain, then remove the wire to allow it to rest against the chain.

I agree, however, if I had wrenched on as many top fuelers as I have free head gasket/timing belt/fuel pump jobs on Corrollas, Celicas, Cavaliers, Corsicas, Escorts, etc, I would be quite the man.... But nah, it's Nissans and rusty old sleds.....