Howda all hope ya'll can help. I have a 94 Seirra with a 350. Has 241,000+. About two weeks ago started run hot not overheating just hot, taking more crankin to start, and gas milage now real bad. About 190 miles to a tankfull. I suspected the timing chain and gears. I have removed timing cover, valve cover on the #1 cylinder bank, and distributor cap. Here'* the problem, with the mark on the crank gear pionted at top of gear, both valves for #1 piston closed, distrib. at #1 plugwire, the camgear mark is also at the top not at the bottom pointed at the crank mark? I can't tell if the #1 piston is in fact at top dead center. I placed a long screwdriver into plug hole and no movement of screwdriver even after turn engine by hand five revs. At this time this is my only form of transportation so please help! Thanks for any help.

How warm is it running? I doubt that theres anything wrong with the timing chain as long as its running good ie: not skipping or running rough. i have a 94 gmc sierra. Does it seems slugging no power going up hills? If so your fuel filter could be pugged also could cause the extended crank time and poor mileage.

Gage usually reads about 150 now runnin over 200. new thermostat six months ago. There is slap in the chain with wear marks on the cover

The timing marks being off is what'* buggin me. Like the camgear is 180 off

And yes it is skippin both at idle and running down the road

How long have you had the truck? I have had mine since 2004 and mine by the gage usualy runs about 190. Did you have it last spring it might just be the warmer temps outsdide. I would get a gauge and see what temp the truck is really running at dash gauges are inaccuate a lot. As for the cam gear if you have been driving it right along it got to be right or it would run like crap or not at all. I just checked alldata and the crackshaft mark is suppose to be up and cam mark done. If the truck is runnung someone must have put the gear on backwards. I have never had my timing cover off.

I've had the truck just about a year now. Up to this point has been an exellent running truck. has gone to Maine once, about 1300 miles at 25 26 miles to a gallon. Been to Indianna a number of times at the same milage. Truck did sit for over a year with the owner starting it a few times to keep it losened up and some what lubbed. Another thing going on is I'm losing a little radiator fluid. About two to three cup fulls about every 2500 to 3000 miles. No smoke or up till a week ago smell of antifreeze. Now I can smell it getting hot. I do think the gage is off. since I've had the truck always read about 150 now 200 or better.

Since i've owned it I've changed the oil every 3000 miles and don't lose oil in between.

It is possible you have a bad head gasket which would cause reduced gas mileage, loss of coolant, and cause a skip, also cause it to run hotter.

Went and got a manual. It says to set crankmark at 12:00 camgear at 12:00 also. This is top dead center for #1 piston. Then rotate engine 1 full revolution. Crank mark at 12:00 and cam mark now at 6:00 lined up with the crank mark, this is top dead center for the #6 cylinder. timing is then set at 0 degrees top dead center. New to me. Anyways, I did think of headgasket rj. But no water in oil, not even white film on rad cap or oil filler cap. No smoke or smell from exhuast. That'* why I thought timing chain, which was bad. All changed out and she now fires at first hit of the key. Will be road tested tomorrow. Thanks rj.