Timing chain

[ssblu502]

I am looking at a 83 short bed and the guy told me he just replaced the timing chain because it broke. I have read that it could bend pushrods or valves but the engine seems to run good. It is a 350 by the way. Should I be worried or would it show certain signs?

[rich weyand]

Breaking a timing chain is a pretty rare failure.  Skipping the chain is more common, where the cam gets out of time.  When that happens you replace the chain and the sprockets.  The low-compression 350s are non-interference engines, so if it's a stock engine, no bent valves or pushrods.  If it was a high lift engine with domed pistons or high-compression heads or the like, then it can be a different story.  But the stock 83 engine is not a problem for interference when the timing chain skips or breaks.

[Irish_Alley]

something to think about the newer engines come with a rubber belt and most that i seen are interference engines and with a rubber belt you dont just "skip" you break it so you just crashed your pistons into your valves. go figure so this is why they recommend changing them. and this means allot of work that most will not be able to do, so they have to take it to a shop.

[ssblu502]

Thanks guys, I'm pretty sure it's not hopped up but it sounds like it has a bit bigger cam but nothing radical and it seems to be running fine, just wanted to make sure.