Engine Rebuild Sequence

danfr · 2026-08-22T22:05:02-0600

Currently rebuilding my 71 and waiting on a new primary chain and tensioner to fully assemble the timing side. While I wait, is there any issue with buttoning down the head if I back off the rocker adjusters?

frank73x89 · 2026-08-23T08:51:02-0600

danfr said:
Currently rebuilding my 71 and waiting on a new primary chain and tensioner to fully assemble the timing side. While I wait, is there any issue with buttoning down the head if I back off the rocker adjusters?

Dan, the primary chain sits opposite the timing side (or the drive side). If you are not aware, you are refering to the timing chain me thinks

concours · 2026-08-23T09:07:25-0600

danfr said:
Currently rebuilding my 71 and waiting on a new primary chain and tensioner to fully assemble the timing side. While I wait, is there any issue with buttoning down the head if I back off the rocker adjusters?

The answer is in the question.

You should err on the side of caution. That is, Leave the head off until what time the cam chain tensioner are fitted, and you roll the engine over to test and confirm smooth operation.

o0norton0o · 2026-08-23T09:39:31-0600

(Yes, timing chain, not primary chain) It's just like any timing chain replacement. The crankshaft position and the camshaft position control the pistons position and the valves position. The thing that makes them NOT collide is the timing chain, so you can assemble the top end safely, but it wouldn't be stupid to use the old timing chain temporarily, just to maintain the correct relationship between piston and valve positions.. Then, when you get the new chain and tensioner you just change them... Make sense?
If you couldn't have the top end assembled to change the timing chain, then every timing chain replacement would require a removal of the top end....

danfr · 2026-08-23T10:24:27-0600

o0norton0o said:
(Yes, timing chain, not primary chain) It's just like any timing chain replacement. The crankshaft position and the camshaft position control the pistons position and the valves position. The thing that makes them NOT collide is the timing chain, so you can assemble the top end safely, but it wouldn't be stupid to use the old timing chain temporarily, just to maintain the correct relationship between piston and valve positions.. Then, when you get the new chain and tensioner you just change them... Make sense?
If you couldn't have the top end assembled to change the timing chain, then every timing chain replacement would require a removal of the top end....

ah yes, cam chain not primary chain. It was late when I posted the thread. I’m currently looking into primary belt kits hence the slip up.

Thanks for the replies guys, I’ll hold off on installing the head. There’s a handful of things to be cleaned and installed anyways. A good practice in patience.

Cheers

Engine Rebuild Sequence

danfr

frank73x89

concours

o0norton0o

danfr

Similar threads