timing chain

[gpday06]

im about to replace the front crank seal and timing chain seal, how do i check to make sure that the timing chain and gears are still good? any tension to check or anything to look out for, or should i just replace them since i dont know the history of the truck?

[joesgarage71]

Before you take off the balancer grap it with both hands and rock it back and forth, You can feel the play. If there is more than 1 3/4-2 inches replace it.
Steve
 

[VileZambonie]

You can rotate the crankshaft slowly back and fourth and watch the distributor rotor. Most OEM chains aren't very tight though to be honest with you.

[86 chevy silverado]

The best way to accurately check your timing chain is to line up your timing mark to 0 remove your distrib cap and slowly turn over your motor by hand the opposite direction and stop as soon as the distrib rotor starts moving then check your timing tab for total amount of degrees it took before the rotor moves, what I usually do is turn clockwise, pass my 0 timing mark by approx 10- 15 degrees then back up to 0 then watch my rotor as I rotate clockwise again using my timing tab as a gauge. I dont remember exactly what spec is but I'm sure it is no more than 4-6 degrees.