had my '73 century into the local garage as I could not get it started following replacement of the water pump (had the timing cover & distributor off to drill out some broken bolts) It would seem that the timing chain is jumping (looked fine when I had the cover off but that was last year). If the valve timing is off, will valvetrain components be damaged or is there enough internal clearance? the engine is stock 350 with a 2 barrel carburetor. Thanks!
Not 100% sure on clearance but on a '73 Century I think you would be OK. It sounds like you but the distributer in off a tooth or more. Pretty hard for that chain to jump a tooth. Kevin
The original chains had nylon plastic teeth on the crank gear. But usually if one goes the whole thing will shortly after and you'll know it. It sounds like the distributor is off a tooth. If the chain is stretching really bad the engine could idle fine but the accleration would be poor and it could ping and/or backfire. Dan
