Timing a 305

[Jstock85]

I have a leaking front seal and timing cover seal. Plan on taking balancer and cover off, clean parts up, and swap seals. My question is if i leave the timing chain alone and mark the balancer before I take it off and reinstall it in the same place will that affect the timing?

[Rickysnickers]

No. Your balancer has a key way and can only go on one way. The only part that might get messed up is if you have an adjustable timing pointer. Take a cell phone picture of it before you remove it, the timing cover and pointer. Then, when you put it back together, you can line everything up. Other than that, you should be fine. However, you are concerned, you can rotate the engine by hand so that the distributor is pointing to the #1 cylinder. Again, take pictures. They help

[Bandit130]

I recommend installing a new chain kit, and possibly new balancer. Your chain probably has some slack. That way if you have issues later, that has been done and no worries.

[Jstock85]

Thanks for the quick replies! I do plan to take pictures of everything for reference. Your probably right about the chain, however I don't know how to time an engine or have the tools to do it so thats why I'd rather not get too deep into it. Just want to fix the oil leaks.

[100%Chevy]

The timing gears both have a punch mark on them.
when you get the cover off,just line the marks up pointing to each other in the center by turning the engine.
then,you just have to remove the old gears/chain and install the new gears/chain.keeping the marks in the same place.
Done deal!
Mike.

[Jstock85]

So if i just line the dots up then I won't need a timing gun and all that?

[kwmech]

Originally Posted by Jstock85

So if i just line the dots up then I won't need a timing gun and all that?

Theoretically yes, but if there is a lot of slop in the old chain, the distributor may have been moved to compensate. If you don't touch the dist. it should start right up and be close

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by Jstock85

Thanks for the quick replies! I do plan to take pictures of everything for reference. Your probably right about the chain, however I don't know how to time an engine or have the tools to do it so thats why I'd rather not get too deep into it. Just want to fix the oil leaks.

Hopefully you know you need to drop the front of the oil pan to remove and replace the timing cover. Or modify the timing cover so it slides back in without moving the pan.

[Bandit130]

When I replaced seals, chain kit, could not get pan to reseal and had leaks. Had to replace pan gasket to resolve leak.

[Jstock85]

Yes I was aware of the oil pan. Hoping it won't be to much trouble. May be a good idea to go ahead and change that seal as well.

[SunSoaked]

Originally Posted by Bandit130

I recommend installing a new chain kit, and possibly new balancer. Your chain probably has some slack.

Also known as going down the rabbit hole. Since you got the timing chain off, might as well stick in a new cam....lifters....roller rockers. Since you've got the intake off might as well just swap the heads. Nobody likes to mix shiny new parts with old dirty parts. Might as well install some new headers to allow those new high flowing heads to breathe. Of course new dual exhaust with some flowmasters would really sound good.......
The Achilles's Heel of the enthusiast.

[Bandit130]

Originally Posted by SunSoaked

Also known as going down the rabbit hole. Since you got the timing chain off, might as well stick in a new cam....lifters....roller rockers. Since you've got the intake off might as well just swap the heads. Nobody likes to mix shiny new parts with old dirty parts. Might as well install some new headers to allow those new high flowing heads to breathe. Of course new dual exhaust with some flowmasters would really sound good.......
The Achilles's Heel of the enthusiast.

Why don't you try to be helpful instead of being sarcastic to others that are!!!

[SunSoaked]

Originally Posted by Bandit130

Why don't you try to be helpful instead of being sarcastic to others that are!!!

Lighten up! It's just a little humor, with a dose of reality tossed in. I know what I'm talking about. I just spent upwards of $5k replacing a leaking intake manifold. Gained about 100 hp in the process. Lol...sigh.

[Jstock85]

Ha! Wont be going down the rabbit hole. Plan to spend as few dollars as possible.

[nonstop]

One thing you might want on hand is a new balancer or speedi sleeve in case there is a groove in the snout of the balancer and you can minimize down time.

[jocko]

Recommend a true-roller double roller replacement chain. They aren’t expensive, check out summit. They carry Cloyes and others. Don’t get anything with neoprene teeth.

[barry1982]

I used to loosen the first few oil pan bolts on both sides before removing/installing timing chain cover. Seemed to make things a little easier.