Timing - resolved!

[fordmerc]

I solved the timing problem described in my posts last fall: a new timing chain! (Timing - still!, 21 Dec 2015)

I finally bit the bullet and exposed the timing chain. It seemed a little "slack". I replaced it with a new one which has no slack and the engine times well. Of interest: the timing chain had about 2000 miles on it, and at initial inspection the "o" marks on the cam sprocket were 180 degrees  out. I can't explain all that but, at installation of the new chain, I aligned the "o" marks on the crank and cam sprockets as described in the manuals.

The car still isn't running perfectly and I'll probably be back to the forum for help after a some effort to solve the problem on my own.

Edited April 15, 2016 by fordmerc (see edit history)

[Owen_Dyneto]

Since the cam gear has twice as many teeth, every other turn of the crankshaft will result in the car mark being 180 degrees out.