fv64olds98

Hello All,

I have an olds 1964 98 with the 394 Sky Rocket engine. I bought a new timing chain and installed it. It thas the exact same number of links as the original. However, the part of the links that goes into the cam gear tooths is not as long so it does not seat all the way into the tooths of the cam gear as the original chain did.

Has anyone changed the timing chain on a 394? I am a bit concerned that this could lead to potentially jumping a tooth or even damaging the plastic tooths on the cam gear?

Any suggestions would help.

I did not buy a new cam gear, as the original looks good, but maybe i should buy a new cam gear with metal tooth.

boese1978

"but maybe i should buy a new cam gear with metal tooth."

Always!!

m371961

I never replace a chain without replacing gears. Always replace nylon capped gears with steel. For performance, double row chains and gears.

Run to Rund

I chose a Cloyes true roller chain and gears, but that was 40 + years ago; look for something similar today. Ross Racing in Ohio may be able to help if you can't find them at the usual places.

fv64olds98

Hi All,

Thanks for the advice, have gone ahead and orders a 3 piece set 2 gears and chain. Makes sense to replace all. Should have asked before i ordered just the chain.

m371961

Assuming you are installing new front seal. If you use the balancer sleeve and have never done it before, you may want to ask for suggestions to install it.

fv64olds98

Hello m371961,

Sorry I am not sure what do you mean by sleeve? I am planning to replace the front timing cover Crankshaft pulley seal. Could you exaplin what is meant by sleeve and why would i use one? If I do need one, is there any tips or tricks on installing it?

Thanks for all your help

don71

He might be refering to a "speedy sleeve" commonly used to cover up the groove that timing chain seals often wear into crankshafts. Helps to control oil leaks, very common to use one.

Check out this recent thread...https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ve-n-seal.html

m371961

Good instruction here. http://www.skf.com/binary/12-61918/TT08_021.pdf.
Page 2 shows sleeve on dampner nose. The only thing I do different is that I chill the dampner, put sleeve on a lightbulb to get hot then install.