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Mr. Belvedere

Had the heads checked over, bent intake valve. So it was replaced, new seals, surfaced, and glass beaded. I put new mls Cometic head gaskets on along with new head bolts. Got everything back together and it’s still throwing codes P0016 and P0300. So I’m going to replace the crankshaft sensor as the cam sensor is new. If that doesn’t fix it, I’m afraid this engine will need a total rebuild.
 
on the timing chain was orientation, I think the marks are two on the cam gear and one on the crank gear. I think some Chilton manuals show it the other way and I believe it's wrong. I don't know if that may be the issue but I thought I would throw it your way just in case.
 
Yeah, I’m not to certain it’s timing though. I marked the block, chain and cam sprocket and when I put it back together, it was all lined up.

I pulled the passenger side valve cover, everything was good, even started it to make damn sure oil was flowing, it was. So tomorrow I’ll check drivers side.
 
Checking the drivers side is good, making sure the lifters are getting oil supply. the p0016 usually a code the pcm finds a few degrees corilation between the camshaft and crankshaft. That like you said can be a crank or cam sensor, possible off time but you marked the items so probably not. Possibly stretched timing chain due to cam lifter wear. The p0300 is the random misfire code probably associated with timing since you have both. Just spit balling but some things to kick around. Man, I feel for you, some projects just kick you in the nuts!
 
And my nuts are sore! Lol!

I’m gonna tear it apart tomorrow and get this right. I really hate doing that, but my word and reputation are on the line, so it’s gotta be right. Guess the owner will have to wait another week to get his car.......but it’ll be worth it when he drives it.
 
Took off the drivers side valve cover and found the exhaust rocker shaft bolts were loose. So I retorqued them and put it back together. Fired it up, ran great for a bit, then it wouldn’t rev. So I checked the codes, getting P0000, P0016, P0300. So the camshaft sensor is new, that leads me to the crankshaft sensor. It will be here today.

My timing was spot on after changing out the cam due to a couple of bad lobes and replaced it with a stock cam. So it’s not that the computer is seeing some radical cam, it’s got to the sensor. Crossing my fingers.
 
Sending good thoughts your way, Zack. I wouldn't worry about your reputation, it's good as gold...
 
New crank sensor will be here in the morning. If that doesn’t fix it, I’m breaking out the tools.
 
I had to sync the cam and crank sensor and it ran much better. Took for a test drive and it was less than stellar. Damn thing didn’t like to drive slow, stumbled and when I was able to roll onto the throttle, it bogged and was like it hit the rev limiter. So I have no other choice but to physically check/replace the chain/sprockets/tensioner.

I’ve had this car since February and it needs to go. I’ve done way more than originally agreed to, but when do I say “hey, come get this never ending project”? I’m so burnt out on this thing it not funny!
 
Do you still have the same codes coming back.
 
Just the P0016, and it seems my only choice is to tear it apart.
 
I agree, I was thinking that bent valve that you had might have comprised the chain. I worked on a old Chevy 283 last month, and I degreed the cam and was off 6 degrees. The owner said it was just rebuilt and to me it looked fine. I replaced it with a comp cam version and degreed it and it was dead on. On a older engine , it will run, maybe not great, but these new motors will throw codes and go in limp mode.
 
After going back in my brain, thinking of the mileage, bent valve, different piston on #8 ( the other 7 look identical), seeing the toasted cam lobe and nice looking lifters.....I’m in total agreement with you.

Guess I’m biting the bullet!
 
Well, just for shits and giggles, I put in a new camshaft sensor. Fired it up and it sounded really good. Test drive, well, that was disappointing. If I rolled into it, she did ok. Just nailing it, it bogged and seemed to bounce off the rev limiter, generally did not like that!
 
Well, I tore it apart today. And I found that I screwed up. The blue link on the chain is not lined up with the dot on the cam sprocket at TDC. It’s off quite a ways. So now I get to drop the pan, undo the pick up tube just so I can get the oil pump off the crank. Then install new timing chain/tensioner/sprockets and button it back together.

Hard to believe that I got the timing off when I marked everything. Live and learn!!
 
Wow Zack! One of the projects that just keeps giving. I had one of them a few years ago. Hope I never see another. Good luck and I hope this is the last hurdle.
 
Good news!! You found something, I think you got it nailed man!!!
 
The smoking gun! I’m just glad it never touched the pistons being an interference engine. Must have had retarded something fierce.
 
It may have been the chain tensioner, there are cases of them loosening up and skipping time. Some are lucky and are a little retarded and no piston damage and others trash the motor. Good find!
 
It’s getting a new Cloyes timing set up. Should last another 80k, or 10 miles, lol!
 
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