Cam Timing

[JerryTR5]

Any hints & tips on timing the cam on a Sprint?
I assume when checking for full lift on the inlet one puts the dial gauge direct on the bucket tappet?
Engine is fitted with a Kent cams fast road DMS1 and vernier sprocket.
The Kent Cams website gives two methods of cam timing. The first which they call 'Full lift method' I am familiar with.
The second called 'Lift at top dead centre' introduces two terms that are new to me and are not explained.
"Firing TDC" - I assume that this is usually referred to as plain TDC with No 1 on the firing stroke.
"Overlap TDC" - would this be 180 degrees from "firing TDC" ?
I did furiously search the web for "overlap TDC" and Kent seem to be the only user of the term that I could find.
https://www.kentcams.co.uk/support
Jerry

[Mad Mart]

Jerry. I usually use the "full lift method". Find true TDC on no.1 piston using a dial gauge (DTI) and a degree wheel then rotate the crank clockwise, in your case 108 degrees. If the head is off I usually set no.1 inlet valves to full lift using the DTI on the valve head and marking the position on the back of the cam and the pedestal, but yes, you would otherwise use the DTI on the cam bucket/follower.

Yes you are correct with your assumptions using the "Lift at top dead centre" method. Overlap TDC is 180 degrees from the firing/compression stroke.

[dursley92]

Jerry. I usually use the "full lift method". Find true TDC on no.1 piston using a dial gauge (DTI) and a degree wheel then rotate the crank clockwise, in your case 108 degrees. If the head is off I usually set no.1 inlet valves to full lift using the DTI on the valve head and marking the position on the back of the cam and the pedestal, but yes, you would otherwise use the DTI on the cam bucket/follower.

Yes you are correct with your assumptions using the "Lift at top dead centre" method. Overlap TDC is 180 degrees from the firing/compression stroke.

I always meant to check mine properly but took the easy/lazy way out and used the standard timing marks. Same Kent DMS1 cam.
I have an adjustable sprocket but wanted to get it modified for the extra bolts.

The engine drives very nicely so wondering now what difference it might make?

[JerryTR5]

Thanks for responses.
Having spoken to Kent today, I think that overlap TDC is actually 360 crank degrees or 180 distributor degrees from Firing TDC, ie no 1 valves should be 'rocking'.
Timing the cam usually releases a few more horses so I think is good practice and as my engine came with a vernier cam sprocket it makes sense to do so.
Couldn't find my timing wheel so had the inspiration to search the web for a printable one - result.
https://www.blocklayer.com/degree-wheeleng
Jerry

[Mad Mart]

Yes sorry, I meant 360 degrees, obviously there are only two TDCs. I also found a printable timing wheel online and bought a piece of 300mm. square x 2mm. thick ali off ebay.