Classic/Antique Car Repair/worn timming chain

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Expert: - 6/30/2009


Question
I have a 1976 Ford with a 360 cubic inch engine.Can a worn or stretched timming chain cause the engine to miss and stumble when cruising at a fixed throttle position. It starts and idles fine it also accelerates ok. I have replaced the complete fuel and ignition systems and it still does the same thing. Thanks

Answer
It might. The best simple test for a timing chain is to remove the distributor cap. With a socket on the front pulley bolt turn the engine in one direction until the rotor moves. The mark the front pulley with a reference mark to the engine. Then turn slowly the pulley in the opposite direction until the rotor just moves. Look at your deference marks and if the pulley has turned more that 1/2 inch the timing chain is stretched and should be replaced.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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