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Can't refit cam
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2018 3:41 pm
by cleverusername
Replacing the head on a Sprint and I can't get the cam to fit back in the sprocket. The problem is the chain has it under far too much tension to refit. Another dumb design from BL, no wonder they got into so much trouble in the 70's.
Has anyone got any tricks for refitting one of these?
Re: Can't refit cam
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2018 4:06 pm
by Tony Burd
Have you reset the tensioner and curved guide?
Re: Can't refit cam
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2018 4:22 pm
by cleverusername
Tony Burd wrote: ↑Sat Mar 10, 2018 4:06 pm
Have you reset the tensioner and curved guide?
I was hoping to do it without taking the timing cover off, which is the whole point of them designing it that way. However it looks like I have no option.
Re: Can't refit cam
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2018 4:30 pm
by Tony Burd
I expect the tensioner has taken up the slack once the sprocket was put onto the support, no option but front cover off to reset unfortunately.
Re: Can't refit cam
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2018 7:50 pm
by Mad Mart
When you remove the sprocket from the cam, you need to keep the tension on the timing chain whilst you move it forward to bolt it to the bracket and the same thing when replacing.
Re: Can't refit cam
Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 7:08 pm
by trackerjack
Sorry to disagree with you but I reckon the cam sprocket and anchor plate are a brilliant design as its so simple, push anchor over the stud and screw a nut on unbolt sprocket and remove head and simply reverse order for reassembly. Most car makers let you do the lot when removing a head.
Re: Can't refit cam
Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 9:16 pm
by tony g
When I did my head gasket recently, at first I thought the cam sprocket wasnt going to line back up. If the tensioner has made one more "click" whilst last running, it will have very little slack in it. When pulling the sprocket upwards by hand it can take a fair bit of grip and muscle to pull the sprocket into situ. Of course when you get near you have to start the bolts without letting the tension pull against them and cross threading. Once one is in a good few or more threads you can rock the cam back and forth to help align the other bolt. Tighten evenly feeling for scary tight spots as you go and nurse them in. I have expected to have to release and reset the tensioner (cover off) but I was ok and it runs lovely now (even with water running backwards through the head and running perfect temps, but I digress
)
Tony