How do i check the timing on a 1997 GMC Sierra?

[Dumma]

I have a Vortec 350 V8 engnie. Where is the timing chain located? Is it easy to access? Is there other things that can cause the timing to be off?

 

[bandit_60]

the timing chain is behind the crank pulley. how do you know the timing is off? get number 1 piston all the way up, take the cap off and check the rotor. it should be pointing to number 1 plug wire on the cap.

 

[Matt]

It's very doubtful that any timing related issues are caused by the chain. Normally when someone refers to timing problems, its ignition timing, via the distributor/ignition module/ECM.
This can be tweaked/checked by loosening the hold-down bolt at the base of the distributor, hooking a timing light to the #1 Cylinder, and aiming the gun at the timing marks at the crankshaft pulley. Turning the distributor either way will cause the timing marks to move, and that is how you check/set your timing.

Your engine however cannot be changed. It has a set strategy, and if that strategy fails, the module must be replaced.

If you had problems with the chain, the engine wouldn't start.

 

[Molson02536]

I have a Vortec 350 V8 engnie. Where is the timing chain located? Is it easy to access? Is there other things that can cause the timing to be off?

You can't check the timing unless you have a scanner, the timing is controlled by your PCM and is adjusted by your crank and cam shaft sensor.

If your timing is off, most likely the distributor gear is gone and will need to be replaced. very common for the distributor gear to wear out which causes timing issues and even right to oil pump failure. The gear that was used was to soft and the cam gear would wear it down from lack of oil changes or running the engine low on oil.

Pull out your distributor, go to Auto Zone and get a gear for it, and a punch. Knock out the retaining pin. Put a new gear on it. Hammer the pin back in.. I think this will fix yer problem. What I think is going on is your distributor gear is worn. Your computer controls your timing. When the gear is worn there is slack in it. (take yer cap off and see if there is any play in the rotor there should be NONE) If there is play in your rotor the truck wont be able to time itself unless you are decelerating or accelerating and the truck will stumble. Also make sure the holes in the bottom of your distributor are clear, these distributors have a hard time dissipating moisture and your cap problem sounds like one I once had. From the description of your question. I can pretty much promise the gear thing will work. If you are not that mechanically inclined. you can get a new or rebuilt distributor from Auto Zone.

Good luck and keep us posted, and remember you'll need a scanner to check and adjust the timing.