Hello,

Have a project wheeler that I have been working on. Its an 87 quadrunner that supposedly the motor was siezed up on. After taking it apart found that the timing chain just came off of the cam. Was crammed down below and was able to get it out but the bottom of the chain is still hook around the gear and it all looks good. Any idea as to why this came off?? Was told that they do stretch out and this might be why? Was really hoping to not replace it as I don't know how to get to it with the fly wheel being still attached and was not able to get that off as it moves the piston and its components. Was just wondering anyones oppinion on this weather or not I should replace the chain or just put it back together. Could it be somethign with the chain tention? Thank you very much for reading.

Chad

 

First off, do you know what model it is? There were several quadrunners in '87. Second, timing chains do stretch. Yours more than likely needs to be replaced if it came off. They're not that expensive and it's cheap considering the alternative. You'll need to look in the shop manual for the chain specs. If you don't have a manual, consider buying one. If you know the model, post that info because I have several manuals for several quadrunners in that era and I might be able to look it up for you. Anyway, you usually measure 10 or 20 links at a time to see if it's within tolerance. (Whatever the book says.) If it's not, definitely replace it. If it's barely within tolerance, I'd still replace it.

You're most likely going to have to take the side cover off of the engine. You'll need to do this for sure if you have to replace the chain, and you may have to do it anyway just to see the timing marks on the flywheel (depends on what model you have. Some you can simply take a huge screw plug off and see the flywheel that way.) If you take the side cover off, it's not too hard to get the chain out. You don't have to pull the flywheel, just need to fish the chain off around it.

As you go back together with it, it's very important to have the timing mark on the flywheel at TDC, and the cam will also have a mark for TDC that needs to be lined up. Once you get the chain put on correctly, you'll need to set the cam chain tension. The book should guide you through this - it's very simple to do. First and foremost, clean it and oil it so the mechanism works properly. Then with the engine still at TDC and the chain tensioner off the motor, you'll press the tensioner together and "lock it" in that position with the screw on it. Install the tensioner on the motor and torque the two nuts that hold it on. Then loosen the "lock" screw and you'll hear the tensioner fly into the chain guide. The spring on it automatically sets it to the correct tension. Now you just "lock" it again in that position with the screw and your done.

As a side note, because your chain actually flew off in the motor, I would check for damage to anything it could have torn up before I'd put it back together. Make sure the cam gear is in good shape and that nothing got cracked in the lower end.

 

definatly sounds like the chain streched out beyond limit.

was the chain broken or just fallen off?

also, be very careful when putting the chain in with the flywheel on TDC and the cam aligned right, beuase it is no fun to get it all back together and running but it runs like scrap and u gotta tear it back down just to move the chain over 1 link on the cam.

 

Hey Guys,

Thanks so much for the replies on this issue. Your responses are truley appreciated as I do want to do this right to alleviate and further work. The Quadrunner is an 87 LT 230 E. I do have a Clymer manual but they are sometimes frustrating to read and it wasn't that clear on how to remove the chain so will have to take a closer look. Wish I had one right from Suzuki just couldn't find one. The chain is currently still entact and was not broke just must of came off. So you think I can remove this chain with out removing the fly wheel? I do have the side cover off but the fly wheel restricts me getting at the chain so thats why I was confused as to how to get the chain off as i will deffinitley replace it. Another question and its probably a stupid one but what is TDC?? Sorry the wheelers are new to me and just learning. Thanks again for the replies.

Chad

 

TDC = Top Dead Center. Piston will be at the very top of it's travel in the cylinder at that point. Cam must be in the right position to time the engine, otherwise you're valves won't be opening at the right time.

BTW, one thing I should have mentioned to check damage on are the valves/piston. If you're timing chain came off, on some motors the piston will ram into the valves if there's not enough clearance. This could bend/break the valves, ruin the pistion, and posibly even damage the conecting rod and head.

I've got a manual on the 230E. I'll check the timing chain specs tonight when I'm home for you and post them here.

 

Yagerzz,

Thank you very much for the replies, you info has been very helpful as I was not aware of some of these things and will help with putting this back together correctly. So do you still feel I can get that chain off with the fly wheel still attached? Thanks again!

Chad