Sprint timing problems

[Dollyautosprint]

After owning my Sprint for 19yrs, I thought it was about time to get around to changing its noisey timing chain. Armed with NOS crankshaft sprocket, NOS jaskshaft sprocket, NOS timing chain guides and tensioner (all these parts still in their Leyland boxes) and a camshaft sprocket from Fitchetts (a repro one) I started the job.
All went well, off came the timing cover etc. On with the new parts, timing it up with correct tension etc resulted in the bottom pulley being 8 degrees BTC. After about 2 hrs of checking re checking more coffee etc, I decided to remove the lot. Turns out that the two holes drilled in the camshaft sprocket had been drilled approx 4 mm off. We found this by backing the old sprocket with the new, and using the chain to hold the two together we drilled two new holes 90 degrees from the first set! Boxing it all back up again and timing spot on, chain tension spot on too!
So bewarned, if you are changing your chain with a sprocket from Mr Fitchett, check it against the original one before you fit it!
This is not a moan at Fitchetts, I have always had first class service from Tony and will continue to use them in the future, with out firms like these our cars might not be on the road!

[Jon Tilson]

It could have been an ST one drilled for an STR91 or some such. At least now you have the option of trying it if you ever go for another cam.

My take would be the standard cam is totally fine for normal road use. I only have a trick cam in one of mine cos back in the day the original lost a lobe...Its quicker now but it was a PITA and dear to get it running right with the vernier pulley and new shims and rolling road session. I would hate to have to do it now with no shims, no rolling road nearby and goodness knows how you would get a vernier pulley these days. And of couse if you use more power you use more fuel. I now struggle to get 30 mpg.

Jonners