Changing Crankshaft. Can I remove the timing chain without removing the head?
 

Hello,

I am chaning a bent crankshaft. I have the engine out and I am about to split the crankcase. The last thing standing in my way is the Timing chain. Is there a way to loosen or remove the timing chain without removing the head? What should I watch out for? Will it throw the timing off? I need to remove it form the gear in the diagrams below and then everything can be split.


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/cbrforu...fd90d68d13.png
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/cbrforu...fd23452864.png
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/cbrforu...ac28963608.png

So there is no way to do this without the camshafts coming off. I'm trying to avoid disrupting the timing. Any words of caution?

Thanks,

Pat

By removing the chain and crankshaft, you will already be disrupting the timing. Just make some marks at tdc so it goes back together correctly.

when you get the chain off the cams, put them back on to hold your valve shims in place. This would be a great time to check the valve adjustment and correct as needed.

Cams actually out or not your timing will be off. If you can split cases you can easily set cam timing.