Timing Chain, Tight and slack spots during cam timing

[holywood3645]

Hi all
The book of knowelege says 1/2 inch movement on the timing chain is correct. But at what position in the firing order?
I found during cam timing the tension (and slack) would vary quite a lot depending on the crank/cam(s) position.
More significant (loose) when near TDC and BTC.

I have been turning the engine over by hand. The valve springs are to suit the QED 420 cam and while stiffer than standard are not race springs....Close to TDC/BDC on 1 and the valve springs appear to push against the cam lobe enough to take up some of the slack (move) on the timing chain tensioner/quadrant.

I'm not sure if this is normal or not. Please advise.

James

HAPPY NEW YEAR (not here in S. Cal just yet, but its 2012 in Aus' and the UK)

[rgh0]

The rest of the chain needs to be tight with all the slack between the cam sprockets. Rotate the engine until that is easily achieved by pushing on the chain with your hand between the sprockets

cheers
Rohan