Well, that didn’t go as expected but hasn’t dampened my goals.
The pan came off and I had plastic bits in it. Thats usually the cam gear overmold.
The link belt appeared to have excess play so we made the decision to pull the engine. We were nearly at that point anyway.
I’m glad I did. Two water pump bolts snapped off with little pressure, leaving me three broken bolts in the timing cover.
I did get them out with heat and Kroil. And now the timing cover is off.
Timing chain deflection is right at 0.500” (max). And there is -no- plastic missing. This means the gear set and link belt were replaced sometime in the past and the oil pan was not removed to clear the debris.
I’ll be installing a full double roller gear and chain set in its place. I may be replacing the timing cover as well. I need to get it cleaned up and inspected. My biggest concern are the three bolt holes and threads where the broken bolt were.
Plenty left to do and time is ticking.