HELP!!! I dont know the Problem with my 350 Chevy Engine?

Question

I got a 350 Chevy engine, the timing chain was Verry loose, were u could move it alot...so i replaced the timing chain and the camshaft gear..i didnt replace the crankshaft gear ''smaller gear on bottom'' and i have the motor running it runs good in park but *** soon as u put it in gear its like it dont have no Power...wont even brake tork it...carb is good on it...trans is good.... *Note* the Vac. Advance on the Dist. is turned all the way clockwise ''Vac. Advance is facing Passenger front seat''....i kno its way too far advanced but that the only way it will start......does anybody know if not replacing the crankshaft gear will effect the engines power......PLEASE HELP!!!

Answer 1

not all timing gears are stamped the same when you start mix matching gears the dots may not line up properly (which sounds like your case) you will need to go back and replace the lower timing gear sometimes they are a pain to get off but it has to get replaced as a set thats the reason you cant buy just a gear or a chain individually . PB Blaster works great for getting those lower timing gears off when they are stuck

Answer 2

You have something very wrong in the static timing---probably have the distributor in 180 degrees off from TDC. If the timing is way off, the engine won't pull the proper vacuum and will stall when put in gear. Crank gear should have no effect on it running bad unless it was really worn, not likely, or not compatible with the new chain. Did you line up the marks properly on the two gears when you installed the chain? I would go back and reset the distributor with the engine on TDC...pull the number one plug and put your finger in the plug hole or at least cover it tightly, bump the starter to rotate the engine slowly until the timing mark on the harmonic balancer starts to come up on TDC which should build up pressure to blow your finger out of the plug hole...if not, rotate the engine another turn to get the engine on TDC. When it's on TDC, reset the distributor so the rotor is pointing at the number one plug wire terminal. That should get you close enough to start and time the engine properly.

Answer 3

you never said what the engine is in or if it has a computer or not but find a timing light and see if will run at spec if not check the manifold vacuum chances are if it is below 14 psi at idle you cam timing is off and you will have to go back to the timing chain. any time you you replace sprockets and chain you always replace them as a set weather it is a motorcycle or the garage door opener the old sprocket will wear out a new chain in the first turn and please get a service manual or have someone help you that dose this stuff on a daily basis he will have the manual.