Cam chains

[DaveM <doc1590@domain.elided>]

Fred is right, as usual.  If the cams move when you
turn the crank then everything is OK.  I might add
that if the slack (if it exists) is taken up in the
direction of engine rotation, then the cams will move
anyway.  If the lower chain, which has no tensioner,
will operate properly whenever the engine is driving
the wheels as long as the cams are timed with the
slack out of the lower chain.  When you back off the
throttle and the wheels are driving the engine, then
it throws the cams out of timing and you can get some
strange behavior from the engine.  Performance wise,
you will be fine if the cams are timed with the slack
in the proper direction.  I think you can have a very
sloppy lower chain in this situation and not notice
any difference except with no load (idle and
deceleration).
In your situation, with the miles you have, I'd
consider a rebuild of the engine.  Replace the chains
AND sprockets.  BUT, there is no hurry as long as it
runs good.
Again, IMHO

Dave Miller
Deltona, Florida

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