12 replies to this topic

[Ferg 88]

Hi Guys, just renewed my duplex timing gear set with new minispares lightened version.Looks nice and a 'little' lighter. Offered the gears up to the respective shafts and the cam gear is a nice interference fit. The crank gear/sprocket slides on fine with no play on the crankshaft but there is some side to side play like the woodruff key is worn. The play is just visable but felt more. The old one that came off has no play. \is this acceptable or should I reject it. It seems the keyway slot on the inside of the sprocket is a fraction too wide. Not sure how much effect this play would have on the general running etc.. Thanks in advance. Ferg

[skoughi]

Maybe a case of taking out the woodruff key and measuring the bit that's in the crank against the bit that's in the sprocket to see if there's any wear or damage? A new woodruff can't cost that much and I think a quality sprocket isn't a great deal either.

[skoughi]

Sorry misread your post! Must be a slightly larger gap in the sprocket? This would surely need to be a tight fit, any play will quickly get worse I would think? Maybe cheapest option would be a new woodruff then go from there?

[Ferg 88]

• I will try a new woodruff key but it seems strange that the old sprocket with the same key in is fine ! 

[minidaves]

if it moves its only going to get worse till something gets smashed up, if the key way is wider in the minispares item contact them for a soloution

[Stu.]

 

• I will try a new woodruff key but it seems strange that the old sprocket with the same key in is fine ! 

 

 

If the original woodruff key and sprocket have no play why would a new key be any different. I would suspect the new sprocket keyway gap is wrong.

If it were me I'd be asking for an exchange or a refund.

 

On the other hand, if you got a new key at least you'd be able to offer it into the new sprocket keyway to see if its loose. If it is then I'm sure  refund or exchange would be in order.

 

Hope you get it sorted

Edited by Stu., 05 December 2015 - 05:40 PM.

[tiger99]

It will not get worse. The Woodruff key is for location only, torque is transmitted by friction when the central bolt is done up properly. But it may encourace oil to leak, if the keyway in the external pulley is also a loose fit.

 

But be sure that the assembly of timing gear, oil flinger and external pulley/vibration damper is really being clamped. There have on occasion been dimensional problems which left the bolts bottomed on the crankshafts and not clamping anything. The usual first indication was an oil leak around the centre of the pulley. The fix just involves a suitable thick washer with ID that clears the crankshaft end.

 

However, if it is wrong, you should take it back to the supplier. It is their responsibility to supply goods that are fit for purpose.

[Ferg 88]

Thanks guys, I too was thinking last night that if the centre pulley bolt is torqued up to correct tightness then it should hold it good and firm,having said that I  will contact minispares re this problem as its not right and it will keep me awake !! Ferg

[minidaves]

also remember if it moves, then cam timing will change as you do it up only a little bit still gonna say it aint right end of 

[Batmini]

It will not get worse. The Woodruff key is for location only, torque is transmitted by friction when the central bolt is done up properly.

Surely the location is the most important part for timing of the camshaft and crankshaft, otherwise why bother with offset Woodruff keys?

Sounds like the usual after-market 'almost fit' problem. Where things are manufactured with different tolerances. I had an issue on my engine build with the alloy timing plate from MED. It was 3mm thick alloy as opposed to the original 1/8" mild steel plate. This put the sprockets 0.175mm out of line!

Pop in and see them if possible, they may have another which is a better fit, or send it back. I personally wouldn't use a loose fitting sprocket.

Edited by Batmini, 06 December 2015 - 11:23 AM.

[Ferg 88]

Hi Batmini, I have an alloy timing plate also, so wonder if I will have the same problem. How did you rectify it ? Ferg

[Ethel]

The sprocket will be dragged up against the key by tightening the bolt. You could assemble it with the belt pulley to check the timing. Cam timing isn't that critical on an A series - unless you're using a scatter cam.

[Batmini]

Hi Batmini, I have an alloy timing plate also, so wonder if I will have the same problem. How did you rectify it ? Ferg

This was the problem i had (see pic), the crankshaft sprocket is higher than the camshaft sprocket.

You get shims to shim up the crankshaft sprocket but not for the camshaft, unless you get them specially made.

If you get the same problem you could do this, or have some material machined off the crankshaft sprocket.

I also heard of some issues of the plate breaking where the alternator bolts on, so i just sent it back and went back to the original plate.

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