View Single Post
Old 07-01-2009   #2 (permalink)
99prairie400
Top Gear Full Throttle
BTK Expert
 
99prairie400's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Butner, NC
Posts: 305
Default

There is a specification in the manual about how long a certain number of links of the timing chain are supposed to be. I'm sure what it is for your model bayou but there is a spec SOMEWHERE. If the chain has stretched it's possible it's flopping more than it's supposed to and could jump although the tensioner should remedy that problem by taking up the "acceptable" amount of slack. It's possible that a chain guide has failed and that allowed the timing chain to "walk" off the side of the cam gear.

I'd probably stick the timing chain back and check the compression. That's the best test on whether the head needs to come off. It's possible (although not probable) that the timing chain was a freak accident and won't ever happen again. The better chance is that something relatively small is damaged just enough to allow the jump and needs to be replaced otherwise it'll do it again. BUT if it has bent valves/damaged piston the head needs to come off anyway and that would allow you to inspect all of the timing chain components.
99prairie400 is offline   Reply With Quote