When the chain has too much slack, it cannot lift the flapper high enough to allow the full amount of water to flow down through the flush valve; it closes prematurely, thereby stopping the flush. To fix this problem, simply adjust the chain length so there is about 1/2 inch of slack.
It should only have a small amount of slack. If it has too much slack, the flapper may not raise up all the way when the handle is pushed. If it doesn’t have any slack, it may not let the flapper rest all the way down.
Then, what happens if the chain is too long on a toilet?
If the chain is too long, it may double over or form a kink that doesn’t allow the flapper to reseat properly after flushing. If necessary, adjust the length of the chain by slipping a different link over the hook at the lever end.
You should be asking “What should I do if my toilet lift chain is loose?”
Determine that the lift chain is causing problems with your toilet and not another part of the fixture, like the flush and/or flapper valves. Check to see that the lift chain hasn’t bent or become caught on the toilet’s float arm or float ball.
Inside the toilet there is a chain that connects the flushing handle to the “flapper” (the covering that is usually at the bottom of the tank where the water drains out). Sometimes, the chain has too much play in it. It should only have a small amount of slack.
How much slack should be in a timing chain?
The difference between the two indicates the amount of slack in the timing chain. Three to five degrees is normal, and more than 10 degrees is excessive. More than 10 degrees of slack indicates that it is time to replace the chain and gears.
If you have some strange performance problems like hesitation, misfires, or perhaps even a check engine light for a cam or crank sensor, you might want to check for timing chain slack. If the cam and crank don’t move smoothly, engine performance will be effected.
How much should the movement be on the timing chain?
In both cases, the amount of movement is the same visually estimated to be close to 1/2 inch. The balancer is 6″ diameter so that’s roughly 10 degrees. There can only be slop/play in the distributor gear and/or timing chain that would explain the two observations above. Obviously, any timing chain will gradually stretch/wear over time.
One source argued that fWIW, this model car/engine does not have timing chain inspection and/or changing as part of the routine maintenance schedule like cars with timing belts. According to GM, the timing chain is supposed to last for the “life of the engine”.
Is there slop/play in the timing chain?
There can only be slop/play in the distributor gear and/or timing chain that would explain the two observations above. Obviously, any timing chain will gradually stretch/wear over time. What is an unacceptable amount of chain stretch or play?