[Kindfiend]

Here are my questions:

1. When the engine is turned and returned to TDC, should the marks on the cam gears and chain return to their original positions? Mind did not return to their original positions. I am thinking that this is normal.... but I am not sure.

2. When I took the head out, several of the "caps" on the valve lifters fell out. I returned them to what I thought were their original positions. But I realize I may have made errors in where they were placed. Because of this, I checked the valve lash of all of the valves. All of them checked within specs except one exhaust valve. It read .022 inches; the specs show a maximum of .017 inches. How much of a problem with this excess in valve lash? Also, any suggestions on how I can get it back into specs?

Thanks for any assistance on this problem.

I don't think one exhaust valve out of spec would cause those problems. The marks should line up on the chains and sprockets. If they aren't lining up the same as when you put them back in, it sounds like you missed a tooth. When I put my chains back doing the same job, the one of the marks was one link off and the car started and still runs fine. So, basically, I'm not sure what happened, but you may need to dive back in and see what went wrong.

 

[Kindfiend]

My question about the timing chain came as a result of changing my head gasket. Here is another related question: When changing the head gasket should I have used a sealant to fix the gasket to the head? I read in another post of an individual recommending this. I didn't think it was necessary as I was able to place the gasket correctly on the head without use of an adherent.

I didn't use it since the gasket has sealant on it already. Just make sure the head is seated correctly by torqing the head bolts, loosening them, and tightening them again.