Well, usually true but the engine is running so loudly and badly and with the clanking its hard to hear anything else. Indeed it does have a big effect, but again when the chain is worn or its jumped a tooth, the timing is retarded and causes low compression along with low vacuum. I have low vacuum but not low compression.
Its entirely possible the chain is damaged, and is at least worn. But, i hope you can understand why im trying to do everything in my power to prove it isn’t. I think you naturally underestimate how much I dont want to have to remove the chain lol.
We will know fairly soon, as im making a smoker to smoke test the engine in a day or two. If the smoke test doesn’t show a massive vacuum leak somewhere, I’ll have no choice but to inspect the chain. At worst, I’m out 15 dollars in materials, and at best the problem is solved and I can put the chain off till later.