2010 LR4 timing chain, just installed have a question before bolt back up

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jdsmith46

Well-known member
Dec 23, 2005
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So I have a question for anyone who may know about this job. All stripped down and locked cam down, and flywheel. Pulled variators and installed all new guides installed new chains replaced variators all timing marks perfect and installed the new tensioners
So here is my question. When I rotate the engine, the variators and cams click and then timing marks are off on the cams back around one rotation. I rotated engine about 10 revolutions and the marks come back exact on point and the variators only click every 8 revolutions now. I repeated this and came back to perfect timing. I did it to ensure it would replicate.
this is my first 5.0 engine chain job, I am a RRC guy who has done about 8 full restorations of those.
Anyone with some insight would be GREATLY appreciated before I bolt this back together.
 
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jdsmith46

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Dec 23, 2005
56
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I am doing the chains and parts as preventive. Light sound of tapping is why I decided to do it now. Just to put out there is did not fail.
 
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discostew

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Sep 14, 2010
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If the timing chains are making noise when you turn the engine hopefully your not turning it backwards.Never do that, only turn it clockwise as looking at it from the front. It’s pretty normal to hear that one click now and then. I think it’s just a valve spring unloading. I’ve stressed out about that too.
So your timing marks will never line back up again. I guess they do eventually, but it would take lots and lots of revolutions. First time I did it I was confused by the same thing. Your right to rotate the engine 2 revalutions and recheck it. But to check it you just put the timing tools on it again. Notice that the cam slots you put the tools into is not center in the cam. If the engine is 180 out the tools wont go back in, so if that happens just go one more rev and see if they slide in.
 
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discostew

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Sep 14, 2010
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jdsmith46 said:
I am doing the chains and parts as preventive. Light sound of tapping is why I decided to do it now. Just to put out there is did not fail.
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Make sure you have the new design tensioners and blades, I think theres some old stock out there people would love to break off in someone else.
 
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jdsmith46

Well-known member
Dec 23, 2005
56
19
discostew said:
Make sure you have the new design tensioners and blades, I think theres some old stock out there people would love to break off in someone else.
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Thank you for the insight. I bought all the parts from Atlantic British.
I followed the removal and install by the book. Then turned the engine, clockwise only yes! Then the cams made some popping and then I saw timing marks off. I freaked out! I remembered reading about so many revolutions to see marks line back up. So I did it once and was at peace. Still not satisfied I rotated by hand again until I saw it a second time line up.
I figured there is no way in heck it would ever line up perfect after rotating 8-10 times unless was in perfect time. Then did it a second time just to put my mind at peace.
still wanted an opinion from another who has been there. To easy to redo where I am at. Start it up wrong might as well trash it.
 
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jdsmith46

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Dec 23, 2005
56
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Also , I did what you said. I took it apart once already as I set it up and saw this timing chain mark business and I freaked out. When I went to set up the cam tools and the flywheel holder everything fell into line perfect. I am getting pretty good at this chain set up now. Just needed to understand the marks and relax.
 
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jdsmith46

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Dec 23, 2005
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I just went out and slid the cam tools in with ease. I have rotated the engine around now about 30-40 times since install this is the last “turn to alignment” I just did image.jpg
 
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discostew

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Sep 14, 2010
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Next time you do one get a thick nut that slides over the crank bolt and torque the bolt down on that. Then you can rotate the crank and have better access to the chains.
Looks good. Check all your torque on all that critical shit and put it back together.
Make sure that front cover is centered at the crank hole. It can move around on those bolts that secure it to the block.
 
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jdsmith46

Well-known member
Dec 23, 2005
56
19
discostew said:
Next time you do one get a thick nut that slides over the crank bolt and torque the bolt down on that. Then you can rotate the crank and have better access to the chains.
Looks good. Check all your torque on all that critical shit and put it back together.
Make sure that front cover is centered at the crank hole. It can move around on those bolts that secure it to the block.
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I can honestly say this one has been interesting. I put the pulley on just for rotating the engine. I figured by hand I cannot hurt anything , except tired hands. I Without dating myself I am used to timing chains that are in the center of the engine. Ha! Done tons of 3.9 and 4.2 rebuilds.
Thank you for the insight greatly!!
 
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jdsmith46

Well-known member
Dec 23, 2005
56
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Also the injectors looked horrible with build up when I took them out. I have an ultrasonic cleaner and cleaned them good. Bought the rebuild kit for them as well OEM Bosch and the sizing tool. No way to skimp this deep in the job.
 
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jdsmith46

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Dec 23, 2005
56
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discostew said:
Sounds like your doing it right. Have you thought about replacing the pvc breather diaphragms while you have the valve cover off?
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Funny you said that. Was just looking at those earlier. Seems easy enough while I am there right? I have not looked to see who has them. Don’t want some cheap knock off crap.
 
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discostew

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Sep 14, 2010
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jdsmith46 said:
Funny you said that. Was just looking at those earlier. Seems easy enough while I am there right? I have not looked to see who has them. Don’t want some cheap knock off crap.
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Are you going to replace the front cover? I always do.
Everybody will stock those pcv breather seals. They’re a very common item.
 
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jdsmith46

Well-known member
Dec 23, 2005
56
19
discostew said:
Are you going to replace the front cover? I always do.
Everybody will stock those pcv breather seals. They’re a very common item.
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Had not planned on replacing front cover, anything I should look for before putting back on?
 
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discostew

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Sep 14, 2010
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Yep. Just take it out of the package and put it on. I suppose if the sealant that’s kind of glued on to the cover looks ok just run it. I have no experience re using it.
 
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