Is it possible that the cam is off time or the dampner slipped ? What is the best way to check? any help
Easy...bring #1 piston up to top-dead center (compression stroke), line on dampner should be @ zero on the timing tab.
Another way is with a Top Dead Center tool _bolt) in #1 spark plug hole...(carefully) rotate engine (by hand) till the piston stops dead on tool then, rotate engine the other way...note the marks and split the differance. Should also be ZERO-0 on the timing tab.