donbrew

Didn't improve on wet test = not rings.
I say re do the chain.

greg8453

Did you have the TDC when on the compression stroke?

Oldsman

I'm going to pull the cover tomorrow and recheck the timing. When I installed the chains, I did check all timing marks. Timing seems to be the only logical explanation for the loss of compression. It pretty straight forward. I just can't see it being off if all the timing marks line up with the correct chain links. There is only one way the gears will go onto the cams. The marks line up it should be in time. I'll see tomorrow if I did it right.
Thank you for everyone's help. I will post my results.

Oldblue

If you need to turn the camshafts, turn the crankshaft from TDC (12:00 o’clock) to 3 o’clock to move the pistons down out of the way. Then after you retimed the camshafts, turn the crankshaft counter clockwise back to TDC .
This prevents bending any valves
The procedure is outlined in the link I posted for you. It shows the timing of the camshafts prior to installation of the phasers .

A question, you said you installed the camshafts from your original engine, are both engines VVT ?

Oldsman

Yes, both are VVT engines. I was going to set the timing before I removed the front cover. I have turned the motor over by hand in it's present state. There is no contact or witness marks on the pistons. I will get started later today.

Oldblue

You must remove the front cover to reset timing

Oldsman

I trying to say that I'm going to rotate the engine until the timing marks line up as they should be when timing is set after installation. I want to see if it is correct or I missed the mark. I mentioned there is no contact to state that the motor won't get damaged from rotation. I try to get the cam in there proper location before disassembly. I do what I can avert issues. Obviously I wasn't successful this time around.
Thanks for your help.

Oldblue

Just a word of advice , the timing marks should line up on #1 compression stroke at TDC , however the chain links will not.

RJ_RS_SS_350

Yes, potentially many, many revolutions until you get everything lined up to check. Better to just time it again.

Oldsman

The marks are in the correct position and line up withe the chain links. Cloyes suggest starting with TDC on the compression stroke. If use TDC on the intake stroke how can the cam gear marks be at 10 and 2 respectively? The gear only index one way.

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I don't know how the cams can be 180 out whe the marks are at 10 and 2 and will only go on one way.