LUVTruck.com

I pulled the head on this '81 Luv a couple months ago, so my memory of the finer details of whole thing is pretty vague now. I looked it up in my manual and the manual says to "push down and turn the timing chain adjustment screw 90 degrees clockwise to lock the timing chain adjuster"

Ok, RIGHT NOW the slot on the big plastic screw is facing forward and back, NOT crosswise. And the timing chain adjuster seems TIGHT on that chain! Slam bang up against it like a bun on a hotdog! But when I follow the instructions to push down and turn to the right (clockwise), it goes quite loose on the timing chain. So: what's up here? It's just the OPPOSITE of the instructions in the manual!!!

I have replaced the head, bolted it down, and now I need to turn the engine to make sure the valves are adjusted properly. But simply have no clue which position of the timing chain adjuster is correct. Now, the instructions on doing this in my manual are for many earlier models, all the manual people did was add some chapter at the back for all the later ones, like mine. Something seems wrong here...

It's just a missunderstanding of terminology. When they say "lock" they mean lock back the chain tensioner so it is out of the way for removal of the chain. The chain will be loose in this position. The correct position for normal running is to the left and the chain should be tight in this position.

So...rather than being able to move a bit as the chain flexes, the chain should be in CONSTANT CONTACT with that adjuster part??? And the correct RUNNING position is with that adjuster piece locked and immovable in HARD contact with the timing chain? It makes quite a racket that way.... just doesn't look right, but...... if you're sure...

if it is that noisy maybe your chain oiler is plunged... should be getting oil all the time

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My old but now gone Luv...

Yes the chain should be tight when running. As above it could be an oiling problem or the chain guides could be worn out and need replacemant. The guides are metal but covered with a phenelic type plastic coating that may be worn through to the metal causing the noise.