Sorry for the long time between videos. My video editing software failed and I had to find another video editing software to use. It took me some time to find a good one and learn how to use it so thank you for your patience. Please like the video, subscribe to my channel if you like it, and comment, I answer them all. Thank you.
Hey Nick, this is an excellent example of how worn a timing gear set can be, and sit have a running engine, all kinds other of issues caused because of it. Thank you!
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 the relative timing between the distributor and valves was still correct, but they were just retarded relative to the crank and pistons. This means the compression stroke becomes effectively shorter than the power stroke, as the intake valve closes after compression has started. Modern engines with variable valve timing actually do this, turning the engine into an Atkinson cycle of operation instead of the usual Otto mode. Peak power and low-end torque is reduced, but it actually increases efficiency.
I am glad I watched this video. My 65 has 34k miles on it and I was always curious about the timing chain and when I should start to think about replacing it. Now I know it's after 80k. Thanks for the info Nick!
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 Thanks for the reply. Talking to you from Australia. Your TB post are first class and I’m sure I’m not the only Aussie tuning in. Cheers
Hey graemegooding, Ive had a number of Aussie customers over the years. In the beginning, I knew a guy that did right hand conversions on Thunderbirds. He told me a story that some guys did conversions where they would put a gear on the end of the steering shaft on the right side of the car, one on the power steering gear box on the left side of the car, and run a bicycle chain between the two. Oh man, that has to be criminal. I never forgot that. I used to know another guy that would come here and fill up a container with diffs from any old car he could find, well the big ones anyway. Crazy stuff. Thank you for the kind worlds, cheers mate.
Another great video Nick. That's a lot of play in that chain on this '63, that's for sure! My '66 Town Landau has 22,250 actual miles on it and I know for a fact it still has the factory timing chain. However, with mileage that low I'm betting the timing chain should be fine. Your thoughts? Thanks! Scott
Hey Scott. I agree with you. If you ever remove the fuel pump, you can look in there and see the chain and wiggle it to see how loose it is. My worry on your car would be the original nylon cam gear, they get brittle and crack and break. Thats probably the weakest link. This cars cam gear had a mass of small cracks and one broken tooth. Not unusual for a nylon gear. Not one of Fords "better ideas." If your not worried about how it runs, don't worry about it. Good luck.
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 The engine actually runs great, so I guess I won't worry about it at this point in time. I had to remove the water pump a few years ago and had it rebuilt. That would have been the time to remove the crank pulley/spacer/front timing cover and inspect the chain tension and sprocket, but I didn't. I thought about doing so, but decided with such low mileage the timing chain should be okay. You're right, that nylon sprocket could also be problematic - I guess not one of Ford's better ideas as you stated.
Sorry for the long time between videos. My video editing software failed and I had to find another video editing software to use. It took me some time to find a good one and learn how to use it so thank you for your patience. Please like the video, subscribe to my channel if you like it, and comment, I answer them all. Thank you.
Hey Nick, this is an excellent example of how worn a timing gear set can be, and sit have a running engine, all kinds other of issues caused because of it.
Thank you!
Hey Alvin, I do have to say, I was surprised at just how good the car ran despite this. But still, it needed to be fixed.
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 the relative timing between the distributor and valves was still correct, but they were just retarded relative to the crank and pistons. This means the compression stroke becomes effectively shorter than the power stroke, as the intake valve closes after compression has started. Modern engines with variable valve timing actually do this, turning the engine into an Atkinson cycle of operation instead of the usual Otto mode. Peak power and low-end torque is reduced, but it actually increases efficiency.
I am glad I watched this video. My 65 has 34k miles on it and I was always curious about the timing chain and when I should start to think about replacing it. Now I know it's after 80k. Thanks for the info Nick!
Great work Nic. Good to see your back working on the Thunderbirds. Informative as ever. Cheers. GG
Thank you GG.
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 Thanks for the reply. Talking to you from Australia. Your TB post are first class and I’m sure I’m not the only Aussie tuning in. Cheers
Hey graemegooding, Ive had a number of Aussie customers over the years. In the beginning, I knew a guy that did right hand conversions on Thunderbirds. He told me a story that some guys did conversions where they would put a gear on the end of the steering shaft on the right side of the car, one on the power steering gear box on the left side of the car, and run a bicycle chain between the two. Oh man, that has to be criminal. I never forgot that. I used to know another guy that would come here and fill up a container with diffs from any old car he could find, well the big ones anyway. Crazy stuff. Thank you for the kind worlds, cheers mate.
Another great video Nick. That's a lot of play in that chain on this '63, that's for sure! My '66 Town Landau has 22,250 actual miles on it and I know for a fact it still has the factory timing chain. However, with mileage that low I'm betting the timing chain should be fine. Your thoughts? Thanks! Scott
Hey Scott. I agree with you. If you ever remove the fuel pump, you can look in there and see the chain and wiggle it to see how loose it is. My worry on your car would be the original nylon cam gear, they get brittle and crack and break. Thats probably the weakest link. This cars cam gear had a mass of small cracks and one broken tooth. Not unusual for a nylon gear. Not one of Fords "better ideas." If your not worried about how it runs, don't worry about it. Good luck.
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 The engine actually runs great, so I guess I won't worry about it at this point in time. I had to remove the water pump a few years ago and had it rebuilt. That would have been the time to remove the crank pulley/spacer/front timing cover and inspect the chain tension and sprocket, but I didn't. I thought about doing so, but decided with such low mileage the timing chain should be okay. You're right, that nylon sprocket could also be problematic - I guess not one of Ford's better ideas as you stated.
It is also a good time to put the sealing bushing on the crankshaft so it seals better to the timing gear cover
Yes, that usually comes with the timing chain cover kit. The adaptor also gets a grove in it from the seal so some kits put a repair sleeve in.
I changed my timing gear and chain over the winter. I was getting 8 degrees of play. My 65 TBird. had 60k miles
Yeah, they dont last very long before they start to stretch.