6 replies to this topic

[Mk2Brett]

Hi All,

 

I am hoping to fit a s-can timing cover kit https://s-can.co.uk/...ng-cover-kits/ to fix an oil leak at the engine plate and also just as a nice upgrade.
What I am trying to work out is this something I can do, or if I need a real mechanic to do it.

 

I don't have the engine out, but I do have the cylinder head off (head gasket change) and the radiator/water pump etc is already out ready for change so there should be enough room.

I've never done a timing chain before so I am hoping I can pull it off, and put it back on without moving anything (so not replacing the chain, just put it back on) and not have any issues with timing, although need some opinions on if this is possible before I call a mechanic to get this done.

 

Thanks!

[Ethel]

Yes you can certainly do it. It only gets complicated if you're after squeezing the nth amount of power from tuned engine. I'd take the opportunity to asses the timing gear and replace if necessary. 

 

Align the dots, as in the manual, or mark the chain sprockets with your own alignment marks before removing them. You'd have to be out by at least a tooth to put it back together wrong which'll be easy to spot.

 

Fit the crank pulley to align the oil seal before nipping up the cover screws. 

[Mk2Brett]

Thanks!

I'll get the cover off and take a look and see how I go from there!

[DeadSquare]

Thanks!

I'll get the cover off and take a look and see how I go from there!

Remover the Starter Motor, as wedging something like a screwdriver in the Started Ring is the easiest way of locking the Crankshaft.

 

The Cam nut is thin and too easy to take the corners off if the socket / spanner is worn.

 

If things went well, I used to be able to replace a Cam Shaft 'in situ' in about 3 hours, when the blocks had removable Tappet Chest covers.

[PeterG]

I recently replaced the timing cover and front plate with an S-CAN part. Perfect fit. Fell together. I highly recommend it.

[Mk2Brett]

I recently replaced the timing cover and front plate with an S-CAN part. Perfect fit. Fell together. I highly recommend it.

Sounds like I made a good choice then!
How did you go with replacing the timing chain? Did you end up doing a straight replacement or end up retiming it?

[PeterG]

I did the whole job. Rollmaster CS8000 duplex gears and chain.   

 

I found that my cheapo duplex gears had .019" end float, should be .003". Excessive end float allows the camshaft to slide in and out making a nasty bang-bang noise if your distributor drive spindle is also worn. Rollmaster are perfect on end float.

 

I deleted the chain tensioner, but used the bolts to give extra retention to the SCAN-3D part. New triangle plate needed.

 

I did my first ever cam timing. With the previous timing gears and the Rollmaster parts in the dot-dot location the cam timed in at 110 for both of them. The correct number is 106. Using +4 on the Rollmaster timing gears got me to 106.

 

Important for cam timing is both the timing wheel, (a small one if you are doing this in the vehicle), a TDC locator for number one spark plug hole, and a dial gauge indicator.

 

With the SCAN-3D part I'd recommend you also get their alternator bracket. If you want to use your standard bracket you have to drill the SCAN-3d part, (yuck!).

 

Good luck!