i think timing chain broke. how to check?

[dhughins]

Pulled out of driveway last week and it died. Sounded funny when trying to start. I thought it was starter not contacting flywheels but it all works fine. Truck wont start. I have 12 volts going into distributor but rotor is not moving. I have no spark on spark plugs. I looked in oil fill hole in valve cover and springs not moving. Any other ways to check timing chain?
Posted via Mobile Device

[TBONE1964]

If the crank is spinning and the rotor is not, then you have a problem.

You either broke the chain or broke the cam or the distributor gear.

First thing to do is pull the distributor and check the gear. If that is OK have someone help you and crank the engine while you look down the distributor hole. If the cam is not spinning, then you need to put on the gloves and get the timing cover off and see what it looks like.

[JCD]

It may not necessarily be the chain..
I read an account years ago about a camshaft breaking between the lobes.
There's a lot of load on a shaft, and it's driven only by the front, so it does happen.

If the crank turns when you try to start it, and the distributor doesn't..
Then for sure it's one of three culprits. Chain.. Camshaft.. or the bolts backed out of the cam gear..
Pull a valve cover, and if nothing's moving at all.. it's the chain or the gear.

J.