Cam timing, answer needed quick

XRated · 26-10-2005, 04:11 PM

I know I've asked a million people a million times on MSN, sorry guys! But I am still left confused regarding timing.

I have just replaced the head on an EF, and I want to put in the cam and rocker gear now. However, engine is not on TDC (about 5 degrees off). The chain is cable tied to the sprocket (done at beginning). Timing chain tensioner hasn't been touched. I didn't mark anything.

Can I just put the cam in without any problems? Or do I HAVE to have it on TDC etc? Please spell it out for me, coz I'm still an amateur!!

Thanks

AUII_Forte · 26-10-2005, 04:14 PM

Will be fine as is, just put it back together.

If you haven't removed the gear from the chain it'll be fine.

460cixy · 26-10-2005, 04:21 PM

so you dident remove the tensioner when you pulled the thing apart? wont go back together with the tensioner in there

Gunns · 26-10-2005, 04:24 PM

You should retreact the chain tensioner as it may have come out to far when you pulled the cam sprocket off. when you put the new cam in releace it to take up the slack in the chain

XRated · 26-10-2005, 05:02 PM

Thanks so far guys. Two questions though:
How do people manage to get the sprocket back on without releasing the tensioner?
If I have to loosen the tensioner, do I just need to keep the sprocket UP (ie. broom handle trick)?

Age182 · 26-10-2005, 07:22 PM

ive done it at work im a second year appprentice mechanice and it is posible im in the middle of doinhg my cam n i wont be backing off the tensioner as i can still get it back on
note: i tryed it on mine before i took the cam out

galapogos01 · 26-10-2005, 07:24 PM

i unbolt the tensioner totally from the block, its easier than dicking about with allen keys.

as a tip, turn the motor over by hand when you're finished to make sure everythings sweet.

Jase

XRated · 26-10-2005, 08:34 PM

I released the tensioner in the end. I don't think anything slipped etc. Now I just have to assemble the mofo together and cross my fingers. I'll probably be on here complaining that something smashed through the side of the head LOL!

XRated · 27-10-2005, 08:05 PM

Well you wouldn't believe it! Fired up straight away (after a new battery $#%@!). So ****ed off though, I didn't do up the bottom radiator hose tight enough!!!

EFFalcon · 27-10-2005, 08:09 PM

good to hear

amazing how easy it is eh ;)

Walkinshaw · 27-10-2005, 09:32 PM

Bah to removing the tensioner. You lot are soft

sphell · 27-10-2005, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walkinshaw

Bah to removing the tensioner. You lot are soft

haha right on! ;) I've never released the tensioner despite what the Ford book says etc. Just use a big *** screwdriver to lever the cam sprocket back on.

460cixy · 28-10-2005, 02:24 AM

roots the slides tho. but the way you blokes go throu head gaskets it dont matter

NZ · 28-10-2005, 09:54 AM

Too much tension can also cause the dizzy drive shaft to seize up. It doesn't have a bearing , just oil to lube it. Sox hat to scrap his xh block from the hole being worn and he said too much chain tension was the probable cause.

Walkinshaw · 28-10-2005, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphell

haha right on! ;) I've never released the tensioner despite what the Ford book says etc. Just use a big *** screwdriver to lever the cam sprocket back on.

Screwdriver?? Soft