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Now that you've set the idler timing correctly, you'll probably have to pull and re-set the distributor, as it will now be misaligned. I'm not sure how much a misaligned idler effects engine balance. If I'm not mistaken, there is an asymetric lobe on the shaft, so being misaligned might have thrown engine balance off somewhat.
Hopefully you're replacing the chain and tensioner. Lay the old chain out next to a new one and see how much it has stretched. If there's a groove worn in the chain guides, they should also be replaced. I'm not sure how readily available they are.
The head gasket should always be replaced if you've pulled the front cover, as otherwise it is hard to get a good seal between the head and the timing cover. Put the timing cover on first, and make sure it's aligned with the engine deck. With a razor blade, trim any gasket that sticks up above the joint, then put the head on. I did a head gasket on a 240Z years ago and had it come back in with an oil leak at the corner where the head, timing cover and block come together. I always put some extra sealing compound around the top of the timing cover because of that. Luckily in that case I was able to wash the area thoroughly with Brakleen (which washes away oil residue and dries completely) and press some silicone sealer into the crack.
The alignment of the timing mark on the idler shaft isn't nearly as important as maintaining the timing relationship between the crank and camshaft. Back in '73-4, when I worked in a shop in NH, a kid we had working for us was "bumping" the starter ona Triumph engined 99 with a starter button in an attempt to line the distributor up on the high side of the cam, so he could set the points. Somehow, he managed to create slack in the chain and it jumped the timing chain on the lower sprocket. He then spun the engine over with the button, bending all of the intake valves.
posted by 71.214.83...
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