The timing chain in my 56 Olds 88 (324ci) seems to have started "rattling".. It goes away at certain rpm's but at idle is pretty prevelant. I am pretty confident it is the chain.

Any ideas where I can find a chain, gear and gasket set for it?

If you have been following my other threads, I found a fuel tank for it, installed a water pump today (hoping the noise was the bearings in it) and installed a fuel pump. Now the timing chain should be the last thing she needs.

And yes, I thought to pull the belt off the pump and run the car to diagnose the noise, but it needed a pump anyway. After doing so, the noise is after all apparently from the chain.

Oh well, I enjoy working on the old girl.

Also, when can I post in the tech section for advice??

 

You can buy the timing chain and gears from Rock Auto on the internet or order them from your local NAPA

 

I would start with kanter.com they have everything to rebuild the 324, or fusick.com they have a lot of parts for us but are a little more expensive

 

Not to hijack your thread, but I'm having the same exact rattling noise coming from the front of my 324. I thought at first it was something external, and then thought maybe it was the waterpump. 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 also.

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 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?

Thanks!