Cam Degreeing/ chain slack

[03GC]

In the process of degreeing my cam ,it turned out to be about 5 deg of what the cam card calls for (105 ,should be 110). I think I am going to machine the cam sprocket for an offset bushing like Hesco uses.
How close is close enough? Plus or minus 1 deg? 2 deg?
Also, what is the proper way to measure chain slack?
I have about 3/16 to 1/4 in if you push the chain toward sprocket centerline and 3/16 when you pull the chain away from centerline for a total of 7/16 in. I have seen 1/2 in as the limit but how is it measured? Total or just 1 way deflection?
Thanks for the help
Paul

[woodjeep]

Hi, I would make sure the cam and crank is exactly inline...before you start machining.maybe you missed by a tooth, . My cam ..comp 68-232-4 was only off by a degree. Did you use a dial indicator to get tdc or did you eyeball it. I have the double roller chain and just went out to the garage to measure the slack. Its against the back wall so I can only get a good measure on the top run but I have 1/8 inch in either direction for a total of 1/4. My cloyes chain and gear set had 3 keyways on the crank gear to allow me to advance or retard by 3 or 4 degrees. It had a square cut/round cut and pointy cut. I would have assumed the square cut was stock since the keyway is square but they wanted me to use the round cut for stock degrees..hope some of this helps

[donl]

Upon installation, the chain should be fairly tight. Deflection should be approximatly .125.

[SilverXJ]

The deflection is measured in one direction, and 1/4 inch is pretty normal. Also, if you missed a tooth you would be off a lot, like 13* or so. 1 or two degrees would be an issue with the cam or timing set.

[dwg86]

You might want to try another timing chain set. Every engine I have built, the timing chain has been tight.

[unlimitedrubicon]

Same here. The FSM states this:
Installation of the timing chain with the timing
marks on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets
properly aligned ensures correct valve timing. A worn
or stretched timing chain will adversely affect valve
timing. If the timing chain deflects more than 12.7
mm (1/2 inch) replace it.

Even if it is a little less than 1/2 an inch I would replace it since that is cheap insurance against possible failure.

[03GC]

Recieved a new Cloyes set today. I am going to try it out in the next day or so.
I almost had myself talked into using the loose chain, but just couldn't do it.
Also working on a Teflon thrust button setup. If it turns out I'll post up pics.
Paul