Eightbanger

Received my new Cloyes timing chain, went out to the car excitedly to install it and it doesn't fit

Been through Rockauto's return procedure and it seems they're not liable as they sent what I ordered, and i'm not liable as I ordered correctly.

Not sure how to proceed as far as getting the correct timing chain, because it wasn't as if there were loads to choose from when ordering...how the heck am I going to find the correct chain?

Edit; just found out Autozone have another chain pt# C373 listed along with the chain I received from Rockauto C494, both are listed as fitting the 88 but not the 98 the C373 on Summit and O'Reilly aren't even listed as fitting a 53 Olds, they are listed as fitting the 1980's Cutlass.

http://www.autozone.com/internal-eng...deluxe-88/1953

Rocketowner

Hagens Auto Parts (1-253-845-7020 )show three different timing chains for 1953 Olds 324 engines. Larry

59-59-59

So on a 63 year old engine, your just going to replace the timing chain and nothing else while the front cover is off?? Do it right- get the three piece set and don't mix a new chain with gears that have a wear in them. If you want a GOOD set, Ross Racing has a double roller set for the early Olds

Eightbanger

Thanks Larry, 53 is a 303 remember.

Cheers 59, I was going on the assumption that as the miles were low on the car, and there wasn't any real visible wear on the teeth then just the chain would be OK...but as it's all gone pear shaped, I'll look into getting the set.

m371961

Cloyes web site lists the C-494 for 53-98 303? V-8. After motor 8A-288505
They list the gears separate.
They have a tech line.http://cloyes.mycarparts.net/

Eightbanger

Cheers Patrick, i'll check it out.

Gonna ring them tomorrow and discuss this, anyone know what the term "After Motor" means?

Charlie Jones

There was a running change during 1953 production. The change was effective with engine 8A-288506.

Eightbanger

Interesting, thanks for that Charlie, how would one go about finding out how to identify if you have the above numbered engine and what that running change might have been?
Curious incase it was the timing sets that were changed.

Charlie Jones

The running change in question was the timing chain.
The engine number should be stamped (not cast) on the left cylinder head above the center exhaust port.
I think that if the chain and gears are all changed as a set you will be OK.

Eightbanger

Nice one mate, thanks for all the info.

Here's my engine number.

mpolds

And don't forget, Nigel, if you need, I deal with a manufacturer of timing chains and gears ----
So I can get you some nice N.O.S. Very Very U.S.A. made Timing Chains
and Timing Gears.... Steel, of course, and not Nylon,
and a perfectly matched set....


Library is closed this weekend, as it is our Memorial Day Weekend -- a tribute to our armed forces worldwide, past and present...


Yours, Cheers, Craig..................

Ozzie

I don't know if I'm adding more chaos to confusion, but here's what's in the Olds parts book:

Group 0.724 Chain, Timing

1949-1956 8-Cyl.(64 links 13/16" wide - double flanged side guide type) part 557396

1950-1959 8-Cyl.(48 links 11/16" wide - single flanged side guide type) part 559446



Group 0.728 Gear, Crankshaft Sprocket

1949-1956 8-Cyl. (24 teeth side guide type - gear teeth offset & 1/2" wide) part 557395

1950-1958 8-Cyl. (18 teeth side guide type - gear teeth offset & 17/32" wide) part 559445



Group 0.736 Gear, Camshaft Sprocket

1949-1956 8-Cyl. (48 teeth side guide type - gear 1/2" wide) part 557394

1950-1958 8-Cyl. (36 teeth side guide type - gear 17/32" wide) part 559444

This was shown in the Oldsmobile Parts Book dated 1958, effective 1 January 1958.

The catalog listings for some of these outfits may be a bit confusing. You may have to "read between the lines", use some interpretation, and depend on physical dimensions.

Charlie Jones

Sounds like Olds was using timing gears and chains from two different manufacturers. Not really uncommon for them , but really inconvient and confusing for us.
I still think if the gears and chain are replaced as a set everything will be OK .
There were no differences in camshafts or crankshafts.

Eightbanger

Now my head really hurts
Mine has....
Camshaft Gear 48 teeth
Crankshaft Gear 24 Teeth



Thats what i'm hoping Charlie.

Thanks guys.

Ozzie

The cam gear you have is cast iron (and not steel) as is usual. It shows a bit of wear from the chain, but this is normal. Does the replacement chain which you received have a different number of links and a different width from the original? If so, you just got the wrong one. With the correct chain, you could have installed it, and all would have been well. If that bit of wear on the gear(s) bothers you, you can replace it/them also. The chain will then be a bit tighter. Most of the slack in a slack chain is caused by wear in the links of the chain. As Charlie said, you can also change the gears, if you want; the cost should not be excessive.

Eightbanger

Yes it's thinner than the original and has bigger links too (see pics 1 & 2 post 1) not sure if it has a different number of links though...had I realized there was a revision to the timing set back in the day and various different chains and sets available I'd have just got a complete set....lesson learned.