Timing chain questions...

Figured I should start my own thread on this...

This is in regards to my 56 Ninety Eight w/ 324 4bbl.

I'm having loud erratic rattling noise coming from the front of my 324. It isn't consistent with RPMs, and it sounds almost like your shaking a coffee can filled with nuts and bolts. I thought at first it was something external like a pulley, and then thought maybe it was the water pump. Well, the water pump shaft is tight and has no play in it, plus the PO told me the water pump is new.

So I'm thinking my problem is the timing chain .

So how difficult is it to replace? I've never replaced a timing chain before. I'm assuming the engine can stay in the car? Do I need to remove the radiator? Anything else need to be removed? How long does it take and are there any specialty tools needed? And when I order a replacement, do I need to get the sprockets too, or just the chain?

I was going to get the timing chain from Rockauto, but was wondering if there are set ups that would be a performance upgrade from stock? I've heard of "double-roller". Is that better than stock, and do they make those for this engine?

Thanks! I know it's a lot of questions in one post. LOL

I found this article...

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/doity.../aa042702a.htm

I don't have a shop manual yet, which is why I'm asking all these questions.

So anyway, according to the article, I'm going to need to order a new timing chain, both sprockets, a timing cover gasket, a water pump gasket and an oil pan gasket. Anything else??? The article references a "camshaft seal"- is that something I should order also?

Thanks!

I was going to get the timing chain from Rock Auto, but they offer 3 different timing chains and 2 different cam sprockets, and you need to buy them seperately. I'd really like to get a kit and not have to risk getting mis-match peices.

Does anyone know where I can get the whole 3 piece kit, with the sprockets?

[Bluevista]

I don't think you need a camshafts seal. I was over at Rockauto and looked at those gears and chains and it is confusing. There are a lot of guys with 50's vintage Olsmobiles that should be able to answer you about those parts soon.
It's not that hard of a job with the right tools, service manual, time and patience as usual. If you aren't sure just ask.

There is a section in the Olds Wiki that explains it a little better.

http://www.oldsmobilewiki.com/index....in_Replacement

Originally Posted by Bluevista

I don't think you need a camshafts seal. I was over at Rockauto and looked at those gears and chains and it is confusing. There are a lot of guys with 50's vintage Olsmobiles that should be able to answer you about those parts soon.
It's not that hard of a job with the right tools, service manual, time and patience as usual. If you aren't sure just ask.

There is a section in the Olds Wiki that explains it a little better.

http://www.oldsmobilewiki.com/index....in_Replacement

Great link, thanks!

I've been searching, but this is the only timing chain set that I could find on the whole damn Internet! http://www.hdmaddog.com/Shop/Control...d/0/rid/125469

I can't tell if it's a roller or not.

Originally Posted by coldwar

Ross Racing Engines in Niles Ohio has double roller sets made specifically for early Oldsmobile, they are not inexpensive, but they are the real deal - Install as factory equipment does, with no monkey business - Talk to Tony or Ross -

http://www.merchantcircle.com/busine...s.330-544-4466

Thanks! I'll give them a call.