Timing Chain Problems Help?

[legacyABQ]

Hi guys, really need some advice here.
All my books say that the little diamond mark on the cam sprocket should be at 6 oclock and the mark on the crank sprocket at 12 oclock, as close together as possible, at TDC #1 fire.

Right? Well, I am absolutley CERTAIN my engine is TDC etc etc but the timing mark on my cam gear is straight UP. Its centered, but UP not DOWN, and the dowel is at about 10 oclock.

So, why is that you think? Did the last guy install the cam 180 deg off, and then flip the distributor? (Mine has no offset so goes both ways)

Then, to make matters stranger, I ordered a new chain only, part# C-501, listed in multiple places as the correct chain for a 383/440.

So, it comes in the mail and it looks nothing like my chain, and it doesnt fit either. The one I had already, the old one, is considerably wider then the new one. Plus, the new chain doesnt fit the teeth of either gears...
I double checked the part numbers etc..

Any idea what is going on here? I dont know what else to do there are no other OEM style chains listed. Its a 1 bolt cam.

This is not a double roller or anything, just a wide 50 link chain with bigger teeth then they're supposed to be.
Between the weird chain and the 180 deg-off timing marks, I dont know what to think. It used to run fine with this setup.

Any insight? I have pictures if it would help

[wally426ci]

Hi guys, really need some advice here.
Right? Well, I am absolutley CERTAIN my engine is TDC etc etc but the timing mark on my cam gear is straight UP. Its centered, but UP not DOWN,

Someone else can chime in, but as far as i know that is fine, it will flip around on the next stroke.

[elacruze]

Hi guys, really need some advice here.
Right? Well, I am absolutley CERTAIN my engine is TDC etc etc but the timing mark on my cam gear is straight UP. Its centered, but UP not DOWN,

Someone else can chime in, but as far as i know that is fine, it will flip around on the next stroke.

Yup. Every revolution of the crank sprocket will get 1/2 revolution of the cam sprocket...first time 12:00/6:00, second time 12:00/12:00.

I have a very good used Comp Cams double roller single bolt BB timing set if you want, has less than 500 miles on it. Make me an offer.

[legacyABQ]

Yeah, I understand that guys but on the next crank rev, the cam mark is at 6 o'clock allright but the #1 piston is on the the end of the -exhaust- stroke and the intake is opening. BUT, the point is that because of the -dowel pin- it shouldnt be possible to install the cam sprocket a 1/2 REV off from "normal" and no matter how its installed the marks never point to each other at #1 TDC like other BB mopars I've seen. So thats what confused me; still, as you can see. Its just bass-ackwards from what it should be. Maybe the sprocket was marked backwards at the factory lol... It's still possible to use a straitedge to align them, and actually I prefer the mark at the top because its more accurate for the centerline then if they are close like normal. So I guess it's like I was thinking, that you can install the whole cam 180 deg off and flip the dist; I guess thats what's going on here. But it's not just that, because the installed chain is even a different length as well as much wider from the normal chain I ordered, and the gears are different and the teeth too. I wonder what the heck atermarket timing set was installed on this thing??

Anyway, who cares, I gotta replace the whole thing, I was hoping to save the gears but with these weird parts I have to do all three (both gears and chain) so it matches, since no chain I can find online even looks like the one I have.. Always something with this truck.. Even the crank is weird, it looks too good to be factory finished I think it was worked-on aftermarket at some point.. Keep finding strange things..

So, elacruze, that set you have sounds real good, I would love to make you an offer for it, how much would it cost to ship? I really don't know what to offer you. I'll send you a PM. Thanks again guys!

[legacyABQ]

OK Eric, it's all set up.. Let me know when you receive the email. It's all paid up. Thanks!

Chris

[legacyABQ]

Thank you Eric, the timing chain arrived this morning and it looks great!

Much obliged to you sir. Have a great day!

[one54dodgetruck]

correct me if im wrong but tdc is top of the compression stroke after the intake valve closes and the piston has returned to the top.......
andrew

[Oldguy]

correct! Mike