timing chain fell off the crank

how the hell do ya get this thing back on, I don't feel it at all. and I can't see down there cause the frame tube is in the way. The manual just breezed through this part as if it never happens. I'm in the middle of the job now and my night is done until I get this. I just tried for a half hour and never even felt a notch/tooth grab. Thanks

 

DUDE.

I had this instructor once; who when asked, "How the hell do you get this thing back in there responded "manual dexterity, son, manual dexterity."

A 500W worklight or two, and a couple of "inspection" mirrors. I'm talking about "mirror on a stick" workshop mirror mounted on a telescopic handle (like a magnetic pick-up or an old-style car radio antenna.) Don't you have a couple in your toolbox? If not, steal one of the wife's makeup mirrors, or even ask her for one. Actually, steal two.

The chain is off to one side or another of the sprocket and it's in too tight of a loop when hanging down. You may need a hunk of coat hanger wire with a short "L" at one end to do some coaxing. You won't get it until you can see it; and if you can't do that directly get creative with mirrors. Remember, a combination of TWO mirrors makes everything "normal" not backwards, a plus if you're maneuvering in tight spots.

This ain't NOTHIN' compared to changing the timing belt on a Ford Zetec 2.0L without dropping the exhaust. It's all about the mirrors. (Some good smoke doesn't hurt, to go with the mirrors. You know, smoke-n-mirrors?)

Go grab a fresh beer and two of your wife's makeup mirrors and whup up on it.

 

thank Fitz, I have the mirrors, need FLASHLIGHTS! just seems weird that I can't even feel the teeth down there. After 6 hours of this reassembly since 3, I think I'm going to take a break for the night. put me off my schedule but oh well. Oh, by the way, the paint was a Perfect match

 

I edited my response, explaining why you're not feeling the teeth.

Screw flashlights; get a couple of those 5"X9" rectangular 500W halogen "worklights" at the home improvement store; I think I paid all of $6 for mine. Yellow metal frame, 6" long cord, you've seen them.

LIGHTING is your ally; I have three twin-bulb flourescent shop fixtures, a twin-tube bench lamp PLUS four 100-watt bulbs in a one-car garage; and still use the worklights all the time.

My daughter accuses me of it looking like an operating room; to which I say: "damn straight!"

 

okok, I have one of those telescopic jammy's for construction, the square hologen w/ the grill in front, tripod on bottom, telescopic w/ screw tight colars. I'm goin for a beer down the road. I understand what you're saying about the V being to pointy to wrap around the gear without some pursuesian. this is a job for the morning, not a aggrivated night.

 

EDZACHARY.

Cheers. I'll be up at 6 washing the black bike; got rained on two days in a row.

 

ouef that's terrible, i'm not even going to ask. bet it looks AWESOME right now, personally I like the white one better.

ok so below is a pic of how I ended up getting it back on, cams out and the front chain guide out. Now, for a Big question: when I slide the front guide back in, will that keep the chain from falling off? cause I'm not going near this thing again until I have a compitent buddy to keep things taught while I install and setup the cams and sprockets, no way no how

 

Use a bungie cord extended with a hunk of rope and hung from your rafters. That way you'll have a nice upward spring-tension on it; almost like having somebody stand there and hold it.

Or get one of those tiny bungie cords and hang it from the frame.

 

All done, thanks Fitzmaster. Checking clearances now

 

KEWL!!! Be sure to triple check the cam timing before you fire that bad boy up.

 

All done, thanks Fitzmaster. Checking clearances now