Topic: Timing chain

[Speed]

   Hi all;
   Well, I got an engine for my '81 pick up;it's from an '84 truck that was rolled. My Bro. drove the truck onto a trailer and moved it around once he had it home,and says it's a good runner. Problem-there was no speedo cluster,the PO didn't have a clue what miles are on it and the engine is awaiting some information before I'll set it in place. (That and I gave to get the BroncWorth running and licensed before I can start taking the leaker out.)
   Question-is there a way to check the condition of the timing chain,tensioner etc. without taking THIS engine apart? I'd rather not pull the engine apart to inspect components. I know someone told me I could drop the pan and pull the timing cover and NOT have to pull the head to replace the timing set,but that method is what STARTED this Gomboo. While trying to  "slide" the timing cover back in,the head gasket bunched up and it leaked like a faucet. I pulled it apart AGAIN and did my best to straighten the head gasket,used some sealer and reassembled it,again,letting the sealer dry for a day or two. Topped the fluids and fired it up,and it leaked worse than before. I'd hoped to put this engine in and be done with it until later on when I hope to rebuild my original engine,but the timing set concerns me.
   Any ideas or advice?
   Speed
   

[emsvitil]

Take the valve cover off and see how the chain guides are.

[redneckcustoms13]

+1 to the above.just pull the valve cover, shine a flashlight down th r front cover and see how it all looks.

[Speed [OP]]

 
Thanks for the replies. That's about all I could come up with too,so I'll do that,finish the BroncWorth (waiting on ignition parts) and get it registered,then get about swapping the truck's engine. Should be a relatively easy swap. Thanks again for verifying what I suspected.
   Speed