Checking to see if it is possible to adjust the timing chains on the 4.2L six without the special tool listed in the factory service manual. My car is an '86 XJ6.

Thanks,

Eric

 

Yes, it is possible, but much more awkward, hence the special tool which is not an expensive item. You need a pair of long-nosed electrician-type pliers opened out so each jaw goes in one of the holes in the adjuster plate, then you have to somehow push in the spring-loaded detent whilst turning the adjuster plate, then release the detent when you think it is tight enough. A two handed job.

Better to buy the tool !

 

Fraser's right.

BTW, if the little detent/peg thingy won't push inward so as to release the adjuster wheel, it can be carefully pulled out (I used vice grips) to clean the baked=on oil varnish/deposits. Don't lose the spring!

After cleaning it back to shiny metal, and cleaning the hole it goes into, it can be reinserted and should move freely.

Whenever I work in that area of the engine I stuff some rags into the openings of the front cover so that it anything drops it won't go all the way down. That would ruin your day.

Another way to ruin your day is to manually turn the engine over with those rags in place. It'll take hours to pick all the shreds from the gears and chain.

Cheers
DD

 

I should add that....ahem....such a mishap is something I've only heard about. I personally...ahem...would never....cough, cough...be so foolish as to make such a mistake myself.

:-)


Cheers
DD

 

A.........Doug, I hate to tell you this...........

your nose is growin'!!