Timing issues!

[Ben94]

Just need a bit of advice on how to tension the timing belt as I don't have the specialist tool? Any advice?

 

[Addicted]

Buy the tools.

 

[Fred@BTM]

1.4 16V?

 

[Ben94]

Nah it's a 1.4 8v?

 

[mr.pink87]

No tools needed afaik. There should be marks on the pulleys and crankcase/cylinder head which you 'll need to align.

 

[Ben94]

Not even for the tensioner? And there's marks on the top and bottom gears, I've got the top one at 12 and the bottom one at 6 o clock? Cambelt marks line up on them also, both end pistons are up and middles ones down, sound ok?

 

[Dan519]

there's 2 holes in the tensioner you need to locate into to turn it and apply tension. There is a tool for it, but some bent nose pliers, or even strong circlip pliers should do it.

 

[Ben94]

I've put two pins in the wholes so I can leaver it, should do the job

 

[Sean6545]

Lever bar behind the tensioner, done

 

[Ben94]

Ah good idea! Also there's no marks on the crankcase/cylinder head to align the other marks up too?

 

[Dan519]

Lever bar behind the tensioner, done

yeah I've had to resort to that a couple of times, just be careful what you lever against

 

[Dan@SJM]

I made a tool for this, used a grinder spanner and welded on 2 bolts.

 

[Ben94]

Same sort of thing I'm trying! Any ideas on timing marks?

 

[Dan@SJM]

Did you not mark it when you took it apart?

 

[Ben94]

Yeah everything is in still in the same place, just got told by a few people and Haynes manual that there should already be marks? Everything lines up with the marks on the cambelt etc and pistons and valves are how they were when I took it apart

 

[Dan@SJM]

On an old engine like that I mark it all up with tippex before the belt comes off. lines up when the belts back on then.

 

[Ben94]

Ok cheers, will get someone to double check it before I start it for the first time

 

[Dan@SJM]

Wind it over by hand(ratchet on the bottom pulley) with the plugs out. Do this for 10 rotations, this way you'll know if there's any contact as it'll get stiff to turn

 

[Sean6545]

Just line the marks on the belt up with the ones on the pulleys. Crank should be at 6 o'clock and top should be at 12 o'clock.

 

[Ben94]

Ok cheers, will it be fairly easy to tell if there's contact or will it be subtle? Also how do I know I know I've got the belt at the right tension, been told it should twist 90degrees?

 

[Dan@SJM]

90* along the longest stretch. If there's contact it'll have a tight spot or even lock.

 

[Ben94]

Yeah that's the same way I got told to check the tension. So if there's any stiff spots the timings out? Just don't want to mistake anything

 

[Dan@SJM]

Yeh providing the plugs are out it should rotate easily

 

[Ben94]

That's the plan anyway lol if its one notch out do you reckon I will be able to tell?

 

[Dan@SJM]

It shouldn't hit valves being a tooth out but would run like a bag of s**t

 

[Ben94]

Ah so even if I crank it over and it's smooth it still might be out a little bit? Will have to give it a go and see what happens

 

[Dan@SJM]

Look to see if the marks line up. But yes turn it by hand as this will be a sure fire way of knowing if anything is seriously amiss.

 

[Ben94]

Ok cheers for the help. Will try and sort it out tomorrow and if it doesn't run smoothly then I guess I will just have to try again ha

 

[Dan@SJM]

You can always bring it up to me of necessary lol

 

[Ben94]

Oh yeah I didn't even realise you are that close lol where abouts in Taunton are you?

 

[Dan@SJM]

I'm in glastonbury..

 

[Ben94]

Yeah that's about an hour away from me! Well if I get really stuck I might have to give you a shout, cheers for the offer!

 

[Ben94]

Finally I've finished doing the head gasket and its all back up and running, but I think the timing may be a little out as I can hear a knocking??

 

[Dan@SJM]

Did you change the oil?

 

[Ben94]

Yeah all new oil??

 

[Dan@SJM]

Where's the knocking from? Increase with revs? Disappear when you come off the throttle?

 

[Ben94]

I didn't notice it getting any more when revving, wil have to check again tomorrow! It sounds like its coming from the head but it may just me being paranoid?

 

[Dan@SJM]

Double check your valve clearances.

 

[Ben94]

Take it that means taking it apart again?

 

[Addicted]

Take it that means taking it apart again?

It's knocking so it will have to come apart anyway, anyone local that can help you get it right?