To inspect the timing chain, one has to first remove the negative battery cable. To assess a V6 engine, sneak the number one piston about several degrees prior TDC on the compression stroke and then twist the right side rocker arm cover. Then remove the cylinder number three exhaust rocker arm bolt and rocker arm with its fulcrum and fix the dial indicator on the head with its plunger on the push-rod. Before tightening the chain tension turn the crankshaft clockwise until the number one piston is in the TDC position to reduce the size of the TDC dial gauge reading then zero the dial indicator. Now loosen the crankshaft slowly in anti-clockwise direction till dial indicator shows movement and see to which extent piston is away from TDC. If the temperature goes beyond 6 degrees, it is time to fit new timing chain and sprockets. If that is the V8 engine, turn the crankshaft to the left, or clockwise until the motion of the timing chain is fully tight on the left side of it, then the timing chain cover need to be removed. Set a reference mark on the block and from the chain sprocket reinsert the vibration damper bolt to rotate the crankshaft anti-clockwise until some tension is created on the right side. To measure the distance between the reference point and the chain; if the deflection is more than 1/2 inch, one needs to change the timing chain along with sprockets. For removal, be particular the number one piston is at TDC and then remove the timing chain cover without causing any crankshaft rotation. Ensure that the crankshaft and camshaft sprocket timing mark is in the standard orientation, if not, rotate the crankshaft employing the vibration damper bolt until it matches the camshaft one. There are also the camshaft sprocket mounting bolts that has to be removed as well as the fuel pump eccentric and after that you must separate the sprocket/chain assembly from the camshaft and the crankshaft sprocket. The crankshaft sprocket can be unbolted using large headed screws, otherwise, it can be pried off using a screwdrivers or a pry bar. For installing, ensure that the Woodruff key fits into the keyway of the crankshaft sprocket and place the crankshaft onto the engine with the bolt of the vibration damper and a big socket and do not hammer it. Rotate the crankshaft until the key points UP, run the timing chain over the sprocket camshaft and rotate the latter until the 'timing' marking is down. Interlock the chain with the crankshaft sprocket then place the camshaft sprocket on the cam right positioning. If mounted properly, one can draw a straight line from the middle of the camshaft to the camshaft timing mark, the crankshaft timing mark and to the middle of the crankshaft. Place the fuel pump eccentric and apply the Loc-Tite to the thread on it then other few parts to be fitted include camshaft sprocket bolts and it should be tightened at the respective torque.
