Just what the title says. I suspect this as a cause but I want to know specifically what the symptoms are before I check myself. This is one of those things that can be really tough to absolutely diagnose without taking off the timing chain cover. Also, I have a 91 z28. Can I replace the timing chain without removing the oil pan? If this is possible it will save a lot of time. Thanks in advance.

 

It happened to me once. there car had been running kinda bad. steadily getting worse each trip. I drove to the library and ended up towing my car home.

I didnt end up figuring out what it was till i took the distributor cap off and tried starting it. the rotor was turning really slow and choppy like.

the sprocket was shreaded and the chain had gotten loose and there was rubbed out metal on the sides of the timing chain cover. (inside)

and there was sparkles in the motor oil.
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i also recomend you loosen the oil pan bolts and pull it down just a little. and mostly at the front.