Timing chain - slop and dots question

pro17 said:

The truck starts up 1/4 of the time (and usually only when its cold). When it does, it'll run for about 3 minutes, then eventually gives up and die.
While it was running last, I got out the timing gun and checked timing. it didn't even show up on the mark... I compensated the gun, and it showed 45 degrees off, so i was like wtf, how is it even running. I was for sure on #1 spark plug wire.
I took off the timing cover (attached pics and video). Is this really all that much amount of slop in the chain? For sure not enough for 45 degrees lol, so I don't know where that came from.
Also, the dots are closest to each other. Is that #1 or #6 - I would assume #6

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pro17 said:

Yes est is disconnected.
I have a new chain on, and is very tight and nice, but I didnt realize that the oil pan gasket was 1 piece also and has to be replaced as well when the chain cover is put on. And it appears that the pain wont slide off unless the flexplate cover is in the way, so it must be removed, but the y-pipe is in the way of that, so i guess that means partial exhaust disassembly. All for a timing chain.

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skylark said:

I cut the front section of the pan gasket and trim off the back "lip". A bit of ultra gray, stick it in place and I'm done. I've done at least a half dozen this way. I've never had an oil leak.

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pro17 said:

That's half a dozen on 86 and newer engines with 1 piece gaskets?

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pro17 said:

...I didnt realize that the oil pan gasket was 1 piece also and has to be replaced as well when the chain cover is put on. And it appears that the pain wont slide off unless the flexplate cover is in the way, so it must be removed, but the y-pipe is in the way of that, so i guess that means partial exhaust disassembly. All for a timing chain.

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Urambo Tauro said:

Wait, doesn't the timing cover gasket kit come with a repair section so that you can re-seal between the timing cover and oil pan? I mean yeah, the oil pan gasket is a one-piece design. But you're supposed to be able to re-seal the timing cover without necessarily having to re-do the entire oil pan gasket. I'm pretty sure that's what skylark is referring to when he talks about cutting the gasket.

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