Couple of S3 questions please guys...
Couple of S3 questions please guys...
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Discussion

blues3

Original Poster:

248 posts

187 months

Thursday 11th May 2017
quotequote all
1. I need to be sure that when the distributor is set to fire cylinder 1 and cylinder 1 is at TDC that is on the correct part of the cycle, i.e. the inlet. What's the best way of doing this?

2. I've just noticed that the distance between the starter motor and the chassis is rather tight, probably less than a quarter of an inch. Is this about right?

TIA

Dave

phillpot

17,437 posts

205 months

Thursday 11th May 2017
quotequote all
1. only way I know is to remove rocker cover and watch for No. 1 inlet valve closing.

Top Tip... Left hand rocker cover is easier/quicker to get off, get No.5 on compression then turn engine 360 degrees


2. It does sit close, are engine mountings ok?

Edited by phillpot on Thursday 11th May 17:49

GreenV8S

30,997 posts

306 months

Thursday 11th May 2017
quotequote all
I assume you mean 'compression' not 'inlet'.

The simplest way is to take a plug out (preferably #1 if it is accessible). A thumb over the plug hole as you bar the engine over will tell you when the compression stroke ends and the combustion stroke begins to give you a rough idea of the engine phase. If you want to fine-tune the ignition timing you can put a probe through the plug hole and locate mechanical TDC as accurately as you want.

Quarter inch clearance from the starter motor to the chassis sounds a bit tight, to me.

glenrobbo

39,098 posts

172 months

Thursday 11th May 2017
quotequote all
Re starter motor clearance to chassis rail:

Check the clearance between the anti-roll bar and the engine sump pan.. If you cannot get a finger between them, then your engine mounts will need replacing. ( There have been instances where the ARB has chafed through the sump. Not good news. frown )
If the engine is sitting low down as a result of saggy mounts, then the starter motor can get pretty close to the nearside chassis rail.

glenrobbo

39,098 posts

172 months

Thursday 11th May 2017
quotequote all
blues3 said:
I need to be sure that when the distributor is set to fire cylinder 1 and cylinder 1 is at TDC that is on the correct part of the cycle, i.e. the inlet. What's the best way of doing this?

TIA

Dave
With the rocker cover removed, when No 1 cylinder is at TDC on the firing stroke, both valves will be closed, ie the cam lobes will be pointing away from the rocker arms and you should be able to twirl the two pushrods for No 1 cylinder.

Edited by glenrobbo on Thursday 11th May 23:23