some play in the timing chain

[MotoBando]

How much play in the timing chain is too much? When I rebuilt a 4.6 and used new chain and gears supplied with a performance cam kit (D&D), it was a nice snug fit - zero side to side play in the chain. About 16K miles later I pull off the timing cover to replace it (had a leak), and noticed the chain already has some stretch. It moves about 1/4 inch or so side to side on the side without tension. When I turn the cam wheel to remove the slack it seems like it moves less than 1mm or not even a degree. Is this normal after so few miles? Using quality 10-40 semi-synthetic oil with changes at regular intervals...

-Brian

 

[The Fourth Amigo]

That is normal as far as I know. I saw my chain had a lot of play in it so I got a new one. I put it on and it was about the same as the one before. I asked the tech at the dealership about it one day while we were having a chat and he also said that is the norm.

 

[MotoBando]

Thanks Amigo. I did some more research as well and discovered that many cams come with some advancement in timing to compensate for the slop after the initial "break in" of the timing chain and gears. Also confirmed with Mark at D&D that it's normal otherwise the tension would wipe out the front cam bearing.