The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Im wondering if the cam timing was put together wrong and the valves hit the pistons, then after adjusting the timing it looks like it was wrong again hence the double mark on the piston. Maybe after the head came off for the 3rd time the owner decided the head gasket would go again so sealed it up and hoped ?

Tony

Tony, the marks look as if both valves have hit each piston, as if the timing was 180 degrees out.

I don't think it's the cause of the current noises

I couldn't inspect the head last night, cold and wet when it came off !

I'd appreciate a second set of eyes on it

Be worth looking to see how the valves sit in the head.

This car ran recently but not that well, so I would suggest the valves are ok. By all means have them out and look at the seating etc but I suspect they will be new valves and this engine has suffered a chain failure recently causing the marks on the pistons.

You need to remove the crank pulley to get the timing gear off. Not too bad - I tend to do it by bracing a bar against a chassis leg and quick squirt on the starter.

You can then look at jackshaft play and as I said....if its bad look for another engine. If its not you can reassemble
the water pump and see how it feels as you turn the jackshaft by hand. Not often you get to do that on a slant...


Jonners

The only time I heard the car running, it was missing, and knocking.
Things improved with elevated revs, but it wasn't a happy motor.

The knock was loudest from the pump cover, using a screwdriver, we've been digging deeper as we've found the evidence of issues.

The valves look clean down the port, but the liberal use of silicon, and radweld has made me suspicious

Bruce, have you got copies of the parts catalogue and factory workshop manual? They're available in PDF format for download on my BT Cloud storage.

Yep

HERE it is.

Fill yer boots!

Have cleaned up piston tops today, the marks are almost identical on all four. Also could anyone please confirm if the sprint and 1850 share the same timing case / cover?
Cheers Rich

Sprint and 1850 have different timing covers Rich .

The post-'76 parts catalogue gives different part numbers for the 1850 & Sprint timing chain covers.

mahony wrote:Sprint and 1850 have different timing covers Rich .

Ah ok, in that case anyone know the part number on inside case of 1850 one? Mines not off yet.
Cheers Rich

Rimmers has one second hand one part number UKC3644

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-UKC3644U

Hi Rich, This is the timing case I have here. Is this 1850 ?

Hi Tony, that looks like it, will double check in morning as is my day off!
Thanks Rich