I am installing a new LT4 Extreme Duty timing chain on my LE2 97 Formula. I New cam & cranksprockets. I absolutely CANNOT get the timing chain on!!! I put it on the cam sprocket, turn the dot to 6 o'clock to line up with the crank dot at 12 o'clock. I then try to slip the chain over the crank sprocket then over the cam dowel. IT ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT SLIDE ON. It is just mms shy but there is not enough slack in the chain to get it on. I have been laying on my back under this car for 2 hours with no luck. Anyone have this problem & have ANY advice to give me. Engine is still in the car.

 

It should not be that difficult to do. There are a multitude of ways to get the chain on. Try hanging the chain from the cam sprocket first and coming up through the bottom. If you're still stuck, you can remove the crank gear and hang it in the timing chain (basically assemble the chain off the car) and have one person hold onto the cam gear while you push the crank gear onto the crank.

 

Position the cam dowel near 3 o'clock and the crank gear dot at 12 o'clock.

Put the chain on the cam gear (chain dangling loose on the bottom).

While orienting the cam dowel hole in the cam gear near 3 o'clock, loop the bottom of the chain onto the crank gear

Insert the cam gear onto the cam dowel pin (spin the cam a little toward 4 o'clock, if there is not enough slack in the chain).

Once the cam gear is fully on the cam and dowel, push up and spin the cam back to the 3 o'clock position.

Line up the cam bolt holes with the cam gear and insert the bolts.

Redo, if you get off a tooth or the dots on the gears do not line up. Check and double check. Rotate one cam revolution and check the dots.