Loose Timing Chain

[STAYZ75Z]

I have taken the whole front of my engine off & need better photos of that area. Where can I find this. I have a 75 280 Z. Thanx, Stacey

[d240zx2]

A Chilton manual should help. Also you should try to find an original factory service manual. They're hard to find, though.

If you have a shop locally that specializes in Zs, stop by and take a look at what they may be working on. That will help, too.

Frank

[v_balge]

carfiche.com has Factory Service Manuals online.

I just downloaded the 76 280z one.

Vince

[a7dz]

If you want your own here is a link to the manual on disk;

http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CP&Product_Code=CD28075A

[ZSaint]

I just bought a complete cam kit (Cloyes) for a 280Z for $126. The kit comes with both guides, the tensioner, both gears and a new chain. Sounds like this is what you need.

[MikeW]

Any idea how many miles are on the chain? There are 3 adjustment positions on the camshaft sprocket itself that can be used to compensate for chain stretch. You may not need to buy anything other than new gaskets for when you put it back together. All of the service manuals (factory and after market) cover this.

[GreenZZZ]

I'd recommend replacing the bolts and use lots of thread lubricant. I've seen Z's with broken tensioners which causes timing slop.

[RandyN]

Those three holes on the cam sprocket is not to compensate for chain stretch, when a chain stretches the crank angle and cam angle veer further apart, which is not good at all, 0 deg crank angle should be 0 degree cam angle. Every two rotations of crank delivers one rotation of cam, with a degree of differential between the two it will only give incorrect cam to crank geometry, hence the reason for the two bright links on the original Nissan Timing chain, these two bright links are to be positioned on the dots of the cam gear and the crankshaft's distributor drive gear. The three holes on the cam sprocket is to accomodate any cam degree advance neccessary at time of installation of camshaft this will be determined by the cam designer/manufacturer...... I will assist anyway I can.... forward onwards Z lovers

[sblake01]

There are 3 adjustment positions on the camshaft sprocket itself that can be used to compensate for chain stretch.

Though that is not the experess purpose of the adjustment positions, it is stated as such in the service manuals. Randy, are you trying to impress us with your knowlege of the L series engine? We're not talking about installing a performance cam in this instance.

[ZSaint]

I agree. I just intalled a rebuilt head with my new shortblock. I have a stroker engine. I need more power at the upper end. I set the gear in the number #1 hole to retard the carshaft. It is a stock cam so I will not bother to "time" it. If it does not work, I can always set the cam gear at #2 or #3 hole until I have the power where I want it. Datsun engines are very easy to change timing. Now with a high lift cam with a lot of overlap, I use an adjustable timing gear. I will break out the degree wheel, the gauges and the specs and spend a couple of hours playing with my cam timing. See why I use stock cams and stock settings? Funny how you get lazy when you reach 65!

[MikeW]

Though that is not the experess purpose of the adjustment positions, it is stated as such in the service manuals.

I clearly got the information from the service manual. Sorry for spreading bad information.

[sblake01]

Mike, I was agreeing with you. I worded that post wrong. I was actually resonding to RandyN's comment and using your statement to back up my response.

Those three holes on the cam sprocket is not to compensate for chain stretch,

I meant that it does state in the manual that the adjustment holes can be used to compensate for chain wear. It's just not clear the way I worded it.