16 replies to this topic

[cristiano1968]

Hi my mini 1989 998cc engine.
I was thinking of putting a new timing chain on. (When I use the strobe to set timing it's not precise. Wobbles.
Is it difficult to change?
Any upgrade advice thanks everybody.

[Pigeonto]

Is the distributor spindle a nice and tight fit and not orbiting around?

[cristiano1968]

Yes my distributer is Ok.
Sent it to aldon in uk for a rebuild and fitted their aldon ignitor.

[nicklouse]

a bit of a job but do able in car. got a Haynes manual? have a read on the tech bits.

 

drain coolant, remove rad and fan and belt, lock flywheel, undo bolt pull off damper/pulley remove cover then timing gear (tensioner) clean everything up refit with the timing set correctly etc etc

[cristiano1968]

Hi
Yes I have a haynes manual.
Got the newer dark blue one.
Actually just order the lighter blue older one on e bay.
I belive is a lot better than the newer one.

[Spider]

I know some like the simplex chain set ups, but I'd recommend a duplex. Cost is about the same, a little more work to fit (countersinking 2 holes - big deal), but last so much longer.

[cristiano1968]

Mm ok I shall look into that.
While every thing is out .
Any advice to change anything else. (Water pump and radiator are new?

[tiger99]

It is a good time to access the speedo drive gears or the engine mount if either needs attention. You will of course be fitting a new oil seal. There is nothing much else down that end of the engine that is worth attention except maybe the bypass hose plus a general clean and any rust protection that is needed.

[cristiano1968]

Hi tiger.
You mean the camshaft gears?

[nicklouse]

No he said Speedo drive gears.

 

as they are down there and normally hard to get at.

[gazza82]

What about the camshaft end plate gents? Anyone think that might be worth swapping out for a new one, or "it ain't broke, leave it".

[cristiano1968]

Where exectly are the speedo dirve gears?
In gearbox?

[Guess-Works.com]

Don't fix what ain't broke...

 

To remove the pulley you will need to remove the engine mount and bracket, which necessitates the supporting of the engine from above or below.

The likelihood that you will also need a puller to remove the pulley, and also the timing chain drive gears..

If it's an A+, then if you do decide to fit a duplex, you will need modify the cover by banging out the lump... also if it's a 1275 you may also need to remove the spot welded on flange on the inside of the timing cover. This all depends on the style/type of duplex chain you fitted... and finally, don't forget to time the cam in properly. No point spending all the money on a dizzy and then having the cam 10 degrees out.

IMO... Once you've decided that you're going to change the timing chain, you may as well take the engine out and do the rest...

[lrostoke]

Not sure if anybodies mentioned it but I'd change the timing gears as well. I'm only seeing mention of the chain...

Edited by lrostoke, 02 August 2016 - 06:12 PM.

[cristiano1968]

Is it hard to change the speedo gears?