How much timing chain slack in GM 4.3L?

I started working on my 1989 GMC Safari to repair a coolant leak from the water pump interface to the block. Saw that the original crankshaft oil seal was leaking a good bit so I removed the timing cover. On the tension side the chain is pretty tight, but on the nontension side, I can wiggle about 3/8" of slack. The teeth of the sprockets look pretty good but the van has 165K miles. Is there a tolerance on chain slack? My Haynes/Chilton doesn't call one out.

Thanks!

Barry

Reply to
Barry Minchey
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my 1999 gm manual says to check the timing chain free play:

  1. rotate the camshaft sprocket ccw until all slack is gone
  2. measure free play. if in excess of 11mm (0.43in) replace the timing chain and sprockets.

and don't reinstall the front engine cover. replace always.

if you need more info just ask...thehick

Reply to
thehick

Your timing cover is a plastic throw away POS. His is steel and can be reused. I'm not sure why you think a 99 manual is in any way useful when working on an 89 vehicle..... it isn't. Bob

Reply to
Bob

well, it's all I had and might have been useful. are you suggesting that NOTHING in the 1999 manual for the 4.3L engine or possibly the entire vehicle is useful!!! I'd be very surprised.

On the other hand, I buy the shop manual for all vehicles that I intend to work on. It pays for itself on the first job. ...thehick

Reply to
thehick

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