cam timing
 

Is there a way to check the cam timing without tearing the engine apart

take off the timing cover

At which point it's time to change the timing chain ;)

How do I do all that?

drain the oil and coolant. Remove the power steering pump, water pump, crank pulley, belt, tensionor, and maybe the a/c compressor. then remove the 20 or so bolts holding on the timing cover.

Turn the engine over manually until the mark on the crank gear is straight up which is TDC (top dead center) and see if the mark on the cam gear lines up with the crank gear mark.