My buddy and I tore down my 318 and as we're putting it back together I come across a Brass looking plug in the can of bolts for the timing chain cover. He said he didn't remove a plug and I was the one who removed the cover, I was removing bolts rather quickly so it's possible that I removed it and just didn't notice a "Plug". It has about 1/2" threads and about 1/2" long. It's the only threaded object we have that fits in this hole.
My question is What the heck is this for? It's on the front of the cover left of center.

 

timing chain inspection plug. you remove the plug and stick a screwdriver in there to check the amount of slack.

 

Figured it had to be something simple. Thanks!

 

Sweet, never knew that was there. Maybe I should check my chain so i can make myself feel better/worse about putting off the timing chain for a while longer.

 

160K? i can check it from here. its worn out.

 

LOL! I'll take some of that action also! (safe bet if there ever was one!)

 

yeah, that was too easy.

it will look exactly like this before you change it


and look like this after you replace it.

 

When replacing a MOPAR small block timing chain, to maintain rock-solid timing for the life of the motor, install a double roller chain set and a timing chain tensioner - cheap insurance!

 

When we installed the new chain and gears, we aligned new gears with the notches 6 and 12 just like the old ones had came off. We had the cam and crank out for overhaul. After all said and done the timing was 180 out after rebuild. Chrysler dude we talked to said there's some mismarked gears out there and you will end up 180 out. Lesson learned, don't trust the parts to be marked correctly.

 

DHVaughn almost shamed me ready to do it and then here you go scaring me from opening up things that are working. Runs good for now and i am about to move again so I hate to fix whats working before i need to drive 700 miles besides I got a house to pack so anything more than quick jobs will get me in trouble.

But I guess I just decided its a waste of time to check since we all know it needs to get done. So instead of betting on IF its stretched feel free to start a pool on what state between FL and VA I start wishing I had done it.