How tight should the timing chain be?

[scottyb]

I put a set on and I had to give the cam gear a little tap for it to slide on. To me, the chain seems tight, but I really don't know. I can move it by pushing, but not much. When I installed the tensioner, you can see a small "curve" where it pushes, so I can tell it's doing something. Does this sound right?

Thanks.

 

[Jeff Rand]

Is this an after market double roller timing set? If so then tight is good (the chain will relax with use) and you do not need the timing chain tensioner.
Jeff

 

[2 SLOW]

Jeff is right, but I'll go a step farther. If it is a double roller, DO NOT use the tensioner. The chain has a rougher surface than the stock chain and will chew it up very quickly. The pieces can do harm. If you are using a chain that you can use the tensioner with, be sure to lube up the chain and tensioner upon installation. It takes a while for oil to get to it on start up. You can lose it in a very short time. Ask me how I know. On second thought don't. It wasn't pretty. Oh, and you do want the chain tight to begin with. It will stretch. Of course you don't want it to bind, but it doesn't sound like you have it that tight. Good luck.

HTH