Installing Cam Chain and Timing Engine - Alternative Method

[ukkid35]

I really hate the WSM method for installing the cam chain and timing the engine:

Set the crank midway between Even/Odd TDC

Install both cams at valve overlap

Reverse crank past Even TDC then turn clockwise to Even TDC

Set Even Cam at 1.5mm advance (or not as case may be)

Turn crank clockwise to Odd TDC

Set Odd Cam at 1.5mm advance (or not)

The problem is that nothing turns easily, the cams stick, the tensioner struggles in reverse, the chain jumps teeth

Everything is working against this happening easily, and my blood runs cold every time



This time I have chosen to time the engine differently:

Fit the timing cover, with the cam chain and sprockets in place, but the cams not installed

Fit the Sprocket Retainer on the Odd bank

Set the crank just before Even TDC (by 3 or 4 degrees)

Fit the Even cam as per WSM (either with lifters 1.5mm diff, or even depending on preference)

Turn crank 360 and recheck lifters (it will now be one of the other cylinders where the lifters are rocking)

Adjust as required, repeat until correct

Now do the same for the Odd bank

Set crank just before Odd TDC, making sure that this is immediately after Even TDC with cylinder 8 lifters rocking

Install Odd cam as per WSM

Adjust as required

If at any stage during the adjustment of either side you need to turn the crank anticlockwise, make absolutely sure the tensioner bolt is fitted and adjusted correctly

The Sprocket Retainer will need to be pretty robust if you need to turn the crank anticlockwise during Even cam timing

Typically the Sprocket Retainer is merely static and has no dynamic forces acting on it when checking valve clearance, this is different

This was so much easier than the WSM method that I have used several times, and much quicker as well

Edited by ukkid35 on Thursday 22 November 20:54

[ukkid35]

Out of my 4600 posts on PH, this is probably the only one that has real value to an AJP8 owner

Sadly it has had no traction at all

Oh well

[ukkid35]

spitfire4v8 said:

As an aside, I had an AJP on the dyno a few weeks ago where the cams were timed in incorrectly, that engine gained 105bhp at 4000rpm (with a bit of induction length changing too).

Spectacular!

I guess with the timing that far out there was a significant chance of piston valve contact

[ukkid35]

Some photos of the 'pretty robust' sprocket retainer that my dad made for me me (which gives me confidence when turning the crank anticlockwise)

Edited by ukkid35 on Sunday 1st March 19:11

[ukkid35]

Jhonno said:

What is the dia of the bar?

I think it's the same as the journals, about 1"

I'll check later

[ukkid35]

Jhonno said:

What is the dia of the bar?

Here's the design that I sent to my dad, along with the tool that I'd been borrowing from a generous PHer

[ukkid35]

This appears to be the TDC mark for the even bank, although it's only visible with the timing cover removed

[ukkid35]

It aligns with the leading edge of the Woodruff ket slot on my engine, no idea whether it does that on others

[ukkid35]

[ukkid35]

[ukkid35]

TwinKam said:

Good spot Paul.
If nothing else, use it to confirm your own marks on the flywheel or front pulley (which ever you use).

Sadly the front pulley has a shed load of play in it, because of both the Woodruff key on the crank and the fitment of the aircon pulley to the thingy (sorry, no idea what it's called)

However, even though the absolute TDC is not totally repeatable, the thing that really matters is that both banks are perfectly 75deg apart

[ukkid35]

Luke-c11fi said:

Better late than never but greatly appreciate this type of information. I am about to take the plunge into AJP8 ownership and so any and all information is useful to me!
Thanks

Start a thread when you get your car (or AJP8), there are a lot of very knowledgeable people here who have been invaluable to me who will likely be very generous with their help and advice

[ukkid35]

Luckyone said:

Glad to see you got the engine all the way out that time, I did enjoy your exploits doing it in the car many years ago!

I was just messing about with the cam timing myself, looking at my home made cam holder & wondering of it could stand having the engine turned, I don't think mine is as strong as yours though....

Don't take any chances

Your mental health is more valuable than that