checking timing without the tools

[mgoode180566]

how can i do a quick timing check without the special tools ? are there any timing marks that i can use ?

just trying to confirm what happened when my engine failed...

 

[Dan519]

unless it's REALLY out, you can't

 

[Laine_16v]

Take inlet off, take all spark plugs out (allows you to position crank easier), then stick a skewer down plug hole #1, rotate until its at its highest point (you can do this with a good level of accuracy when you do it gentlytbh).

Visually inspect the camshaft ends, try using a steel rule or something flat similar to give you again a reasonable idea of how the timing is looking.

By no means ideal, but it should give you an idea.

 

[LIL B]

Just use tipex..

 

[mgoode180566]

What am i looking for on the end of the cams ?

Take inlet off, take all spark plugs out (allows you to position crank easier), then stick a skewer down plug hole #1, rotate until its at its highest point (you can do this with a good level of accuracy when you do it gentlytbh).

Visually inspect the camshaft ends, try using a steel rule or something flat similar to give you again a reasonable idea of how the timing is looking.

By no means ideal, but it should give you an idea.

 

[mr.pink87]

The camshaft lugs must aligned with the offset below the middle axis.

 

[Laine_16v]

They should directly line up with the where the rocker cover meets the cylinder head. (its all a straight line)

 

[mgoode180566]

Ok sounds good. How obvious will it be if it has jumped a tooth ?

They should directly line up with the where the rocker cover meets the cylinder head. (its all a straight line)

 

[Andyman]

Bob down your Renault dealer and ask if you can borrow their cam D clamp tool and bring it to TDC as Laine said to check if the D slots in.

Should only cost you the price of a set of end caps

 

[mgoode180566]

the engine is out. im just having a look at diagnosing the cam timing. it was showing zero compression on 1 and 2 so i think the problem is more fundamental than the timing slipped.

 

[mr.pink87]

Snapped/slipped cambelt and pistons hugging valves?

 

[Jonny1*2]

could be dropped or stuck valves maybe. How does the engine sound?

 

[Jonny1*2]

They should directly line up with the where the rocker cover meets the cylinder head. (its all a straight line)

Just to clarify

 

[mgoode180566]

With zero compression on cylinders 1 & 2 and only 50psi on 3 it wont run of course. If timing had slipped then the compression on cylinder 4 wouldnt be 180psi.

Really mystified as to what has happened. I suspect head gasket or head warped. Also found that the crankshaft pulley ( bottom pulley ) had split into two parts and was being held on by the pressure of the belt !

Having an engine prepared at the moment and putting that in instead. Just want to see if i can identify the issue with the old motor.

could be dropped or stuck valves maybe. How does the engine sound?

 

[Andyman]

Would be interesting to know how the timing crank pulley snapped! - Is this a first for a Clio Sport?

 

[mgoode180566]

Apparently not.

The pulley is a pressed together item with a rubber damper. Looks like mine shed the damper which caused the 2 parts to separate. I dont think it actually caused the problem but was larming when it fell apart onto the floor when i cut the belt off !

Would be interesting to know how the timing crank pulley snapped! - Is this a first for a Clio Sport?

 

[Andyman]

Ah so it was the big outer auxiliary crank pulley which screwed up not the small inner timing cog?

Do you have any pictures of it?

 

[mgoode180566]

i will get some. left it at work. using it as a paper weight !

 

[mgoode180566]

i set number one cylinder at the middle of tdc and removed the cam end plugs. as an estimate i would say that the cam ends that should be at 3 oclock are between 1 and 2 oclock.

so im pretty sure the timing has slipped due to the bottom crank pulley separating at the damper.....

 

[mgoode180566]

This is with cyl 1 at TDC. doesnt look right to me !

 

[Dan519]

oh wow thats out

if you rotate the crank another turn the cams will be the right way up, but still out, they look fairly even, so it's the crank end thats at fault

 

[mgoode180566]

The offending crankshaft pulley minus its centre. Noticed that it was skewed when i pull out the engine. Cut off the aux belt and the pulley fell on the garage floor ! Only pressure from the belt holding it in place.

 

[mgoode180566]

did i get away with it then Danny. New cambelt and jobs a good one ?????

 

[Chip-mk1]

Judging by the lack of compression no you didnt get away with it, although I hope for your sake im wrong.

 

[Chip-mk1]

View attachment 70332

The offending crankshaft pulley minus its centre. Noticed that it was skewed when i pull out the engine. Cut off the aux belt and the pulley fell on the garage floor ! Only pressure from the belt holding it in place.

Nothing that happens to the aux pulley in terms of it falling apart like that should effect the cam timing though mate, the cambelt pulley isnt rubber mounted.

 

[mgoode180566]

True. However i think the pulley twisted and snagged the cam belt. i guess it caused it to jump or something.

i have already fitted a new motor just waiting to get it fired up.

Nothing that happens to the aux pulley in terms of it falling apart like that should effect the cam timing though mate, the cambelt pulley isnt rubber mounted.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Yeah thats a very real isk with anything that causes aux belt failure.

 

[Chip-mk1]

*Risk

 

[Dan519]

did i get away with it then Danny. New cambelt and jobs a good one ?????

I doubt it, I'd be using a bore scope to look for bent valves. I expect you'll have bent 8