Replacing Timing Chain... Have some questions...

[Anonymous]

I have spent a good part of the day getting access to the timing chain set on my 200. The car has had starting problems for some time and I feel it may be timing related. Half the time when it cranks it will start with no prob. The other half of the time it puffs a cloud of smoke out of the carb, then it will start after a few more trys. Runs ok after starting but it seems that it could have more power.

I have run into some questions here and need some help.

1. The car has power steering only with no ac. There is the stock balancer with 2 grooves on it. Then there is another pulley that bolts onto that for a total of 3 but I think I need only 2. (whats the 3rd for ) The pulley that bolts onto the balancer has 3 lobes 2 of which are totally broken off. The rubber rings on the front and back of the balancer are rotted and cracked. What do I do here? Any parts here that may be hard to find?

2. Since I have it all apart right now, would it be a good idea to change the cam? Could my problems also be cam related? I assume I would have to take off the head also to do this?

3. I dont remember seeing a washer with the big bolt that holds the balancer to the crank. Should there be one?

Anything else? I kinda feel like I opened a can of worms here but if it fixes some problems, it will be worth it.

 

[MandarinaRacing]

Spyke, just some thoughts...

1. Replace with a new balancer, they're aprox. $50 from Damper Doctor, or get another one from a salvage yard.

2.Changing the cam with the engine in the car is difficult, it can be done but it's a PITA.

3.There HAS to be a washer, don't forget to torque to spec, can't remember the exact number but it's upwards of 100 ft/lbs.

4.Are you sure you're problems are related directly to the timing chain? Sounds more like a distributor timing issue, how sloppy was the chain? You shouldn't experience a problem like this unless the chain "jumped" a tooth.

Alex

 

[Anonymous]

The chain was fairly loose maybe 3/4" or more of slack. And that balancer looks real sorry. I do have a spare balancer but it is the 1 pulley type. I assume I can just use that one but would have to track down the pulley that mounts to it. :x 200 parts are real hard to find used around here.

The oil seal looks pretty bad also, I have been using my light to adjust timing. Maybe the slack in the chain and the balancer being beat up and probably a little out of wack due to the 2 lobes missing could be causing some of my probs.

 

[Anonymous]

I've never seen any 200's with a pulley bolted to the balancer.... something tells me someone added power steering to your car. 200 balancers are available with 1, 2, or 3 grooves - shouldn't need any more than 3 belts!

I'm guessing that once you got that funky pulley off you found the front crank bolt and washer... at least I hope so. Any chance of pics?

 

[Anonymous]

My balancer looks like the one sold by fspp (2 pulley type). In the inner part of it there are a bunch of holes. 3 of the smallest holes are threaded. The 3rd pulley bolts on to the balancer using those 3 holes. The bolt for the crank goes through the 3rd pulley and attaches the whole assembly to the crank. I really cant recall seeing a washer come off though. I have checked the work area 3 times... nothing.

Without this 3rd pulley the balancer would slide right off the crank. So in a way it sorta acts as an oversized washer. How large should the washer have been? Are you guys saying that on your cars you just have the balancer, washer and bolt on the crank? If thats the case then the washer must be pretty large and someone did some wierd stuff to my car.

Thanks, I said this was a can of worms LOL

 

[Anonymous]

the washer should be the size of the crank...that is the outer diameter of the washer should be the same as the outer diameter as the crank...and its a slightly angled washer..not flat...i also have the 3 pulley system like what u have but i only use one belt...a big one which turns the fan/water pump, alternator and power steering...i could put 2 on though the same length but i keep the extra one as a spare in my trunk...i dont recall the 3rd pulley being able to hold on the other 2 though..i just replaced my timing chain gaskets so everything was apart...the 3rd pulley is bolted on to the main ones but the hole in the middle is larger than the washer...if memory serves me well i remember bolting on the balancer first...then bolting on the 3rd pulley....but the balancer is quite tight which is probably why it hasnt come off...i cant believe that there is no washer, oh well...just go to a junkyard and pull one off....shouldnt even cost u anything...

 

[Anonymous]

ok I think I got it. It sounds like the washer should be actually larger then the crank to keep it from sliding off? Would this washer and balancer be the same as the 300? A couple of junkyards around here have trucks with 300s but no 200s.

 

[Anonymous]

Looks like I have it all figured out now. I found another washer for the balancer in a box of hardware from a 200 parts motor I stripped doe a few years ago. If I had to guess I would say that the power steering was added at some time. That pulley is the only one that lines up with the pulley on the ps pump.

I guess if i get a new 3 pulley balancer from damper doctor I should be ok.

 

[MustangSix]

There are single and dual sheave cast iron, bolt on pulleys for the 200, depending on the accessories and emissions. When the bolt on pulley is used, there is no washer under the bolt. The pulley takes up that duty.

On the 250, the extra pulley is stamped and goes over the bolt and washer.