17 replies to this topic

[stevewidds]

So here goes engine ran OK not great but not horrible, when checking the tdc timing pistion 1 up at tdc and rotor arm pointing at cylinder 1 all good.
When I check the timing mark on the crank pulley the mark is at 6 o'clock but key way is at 12 o'clock so I think it has the wrong pulley, so thats one issue.
Next question is when finding tdc i rotate the engine on cylinder 1 exhaust valve opens for exhaust stoke, then inlet valve opens for induction stroke as pistion comes up the inlet closes as the piston get to the top (compression stroke) is this the correct tdc and there for crank keyway to 12 o'clock and crank and cam dot to dot with rotor arm pointing at cylinder 1 any help is very much appreciated steve.

[Spider]

Is it a Pulley or Harmonic Damper you have ?

Have you checked that there's a Crank Key (Cranky !) fitted and it's not sheared off ?

[stevewidds]

It's not a damper style pulley and yes the keyway is still there, does it sound like I've set it up correctly.
Induction stroke with piston going down and then as piston comes back up both valves close on compression stroke piston 1

[Spider]

OK cheers.

It sounds like the pulley is from a Morris 1000, an Austin A30 / A35, Sprite or Midget, they have the timing markers on the bottom, pretty much opposite to a Mini;-

 

 

[stevewidds]

Thanks for the reply but when I'm talking about timing marks I mean to one on the crank pulley.

[68+86auto]

Thanks for the reply but when I'm talking about timing marks I mean to one on the crank pulley.

 

It means the mark on the pulley is also in a different spot.

 

 

In all the places you've posted the question and the many replies, this is the first time I've read an answer that I suspect is correct.

[Spider]

Thanks for the reply but when I'm talking about timing marks I mean to one on the crank pulley.

 

Yes, so am I.

I suspect the pulley you have is from one of the cars I mentioned and that's why it has the timing mark on it around the bottom.

[stevewidds]

Yes I do agree it's the wrong pulley but can you confirm the way I have done tdc and on the correct stroke thanks for your patience both of you..

[nicklouse]

Which end of the engine is your number one?

[stevewidds]

Ok guys thanks for all the help I've now sorted thanks again..

[Ethel]

1 & 4 come to tdc together, so you can only be between compression & power (firing), or at the end of the exhaust stroke & the beginning of the induction. Both valves should be off their rockers in the first case. The exhaust valve will be closing, & the inlet opening in the second.

 

It could be clearer to look at the middle cylinders, as you turn the marks towards alignment. By the firing order, 1-3-4-2: if 1 is compressing (ready to fire), 3 will be on induction (inlet open) & 2 will be ending power & starting exhaust (exhaust begins to open).

 

Obvious question - for anyone else who stumbles over this topic... Are you turning the engine in the correct direction? That's clockwise when looking at the water pump end. That's also the engine's front end, so the nearest cylinder is number 1.

[stevewidds]

Hi Ethel and thanks for the reply, the main issue i was having was understanding peoples terminology of valves rocking, fire stroke, induction stroke, exhaust stroke, and I think i was also getting confused with the terms and then making the mistake of doing it on the wrong cylinder.
But I'm there know and it would seem that my timing is correct, just thinking of sending the head away to be reconditioned.

[Ethel]

It can help to keep the basic principles in mind when things aren't as expected...

 

The outer cylinders reach top dead centre together, as the inner 2 reach bottom dead centre, so the forces on the crank are balanced & it won't try to rock like a seesaw. That also dictates the the firing order since if one piston at tdc is firing the other has to be the induction & compression strokes away from firing & 1-3-4-2 is a bit less seesawy than 1-2-4-3.

 

As the end with the fan is nearest the front on a classic rear wheel drive layout it got called No1

[stevewidds]

Thanks again one quick question, when the engine was together and running there was fluid leaking from the front of the head which looked as if it was coming from in between the block and cylinder head.
Compression is at 150 on all 4 cylinders and doesn't seems to burn oil is there a good reason to get the head skimmed to make sure its flat or should I just put it down to the head gasket thanks.

[nicklouse]

It can run there from anywhere. If you have torqued the head down there is nothing to gain from trying to tighten it more other than damaging the gasket, snapping studs and pulling threads.

 

skimming the head may or may not fix thing is depends what the actual issue is. Warped blocks, pulled threads etc.

 

all stuff that should be done before assembly.