[STEELCITYFIREBIRD]

Proper alignment of cams to crankshaft timing marks.
Evidence of chain contacting anything else besides it's normal gears and tensioner/s.
Drain oil and strain, looking for particulate contamination, metals, chain guide material, etc...stuff that could plug the oil screen.

I believe the interference is at the outer edge of the pistons, if so, damaged/pinched ring lands @ the piston outer edges if you remove the head.

[GP67]

Been busy.
I pulled the valve cover and the timing chain is loose to the point I can lift it up off the sprocket teeth. Droops below the top chain guide say 1/2 inch or so.
The next thing I'm going to is:
(And correct me if I'm doing anything wrong plz).
1. Check for loose rockers.
2. Turn the crankshaft to put cylinder #1 at TDC which will close both the intake and exhaust valves.
3. Add air pressure through spark plug orifice and check for air at the throttle-body and exhaust.

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by GP67

Been busy.
I pulled the valve cover and the timing chain is loose to the point I can lift it up off the sprocket teeth. Droops below the top chain guide say 1/2 inch or so.

That can't be good.

Originally Posted by GP67

The next thing I'm going to is:
(And correct me if I'm doing anything wrong plz).
1. Check for loose rockers.
2. Turn the crankshaft to put cylinder #1 at TDC which will close both the intake and exhaust valves.

Only if you are at TDC Compression. TDC Exhaust will assure both valves are slightly open.

Originally Posted by GP67

3. Add air pressure through spark plug orifice and check for air at the throttle-body and exhaust.

And check the radiator for bubbles, and check the valve cover for excess blow-by.

An actual leakdown tester will put numbers to the cylinder leakage. If you've used the leakdown tester on "known-good" engines, you'll have a guide to what's acceptable leakage, and what's excessive. Rings always leak. Valves, castings, and gaskets shouldn't.