Timing Headache 1999 Blazer 4.3
 

Howdy All,

I am parked this week dealing with my 1999 Blazer with 160k miles. I began this odyssey trying to clear a P1345 code and have applied the following remedies:

1. Replaced the cam sensor. No effect.
2. Replaced distributor drive gear, the old gear was worn with obvious cut marks on several teeth.
3. Replaced distributor cap and rotor.
4. Retimed engine using a compression gauge to verify TDC on the compression stroke.
5. My harmonic balancer has two marks ~90 degrees apart, and I am aligning the second mark to the timing “V” mark on the timing chain cover.
6. The distributor is lined up with the “6” mark triangle on the distributor case.
   

Since replacing the distributor, I have only gotten the girl running twice. It was poorly at best. I have gone through the timing process a couple of times now and suspect the timing chain.

How bad is the timing chain replacement? Any tricks? My rig has a frame lift to allow 31’s.