hey guys, I have been doing some searching for several days now, and have followed the FSM to a T, but im not completely sure exactly if I have the timing set correctly on the sr20 engine. Im in the middle of a rebuild, franticly trying to finish it before i move to Edmonton, i only have a few days left!
So far, I got my new head, I rebuilt it all, new springs, cam brackets, cams, camgears, new metal headgasket, redecked the head and the block. Followed the FSM step by step, all proper torque specs etc. So i installed all that, got the head onto the block, and set the inakte camshaft key to about 12 o’clock, and the exhaust camshaft key to around 10 o’clock. I then made sure that the crank pulley was set and TDC and on the second mark from the left. I did some checking, and it looked like i was advanced one tooth on the camgears, then made sure that the valves on either the intake and exhaust were opening and closing in the same ratio. I also made sure that the first cylinder was at the very top of it’s compression stroke while the crank pulley was set to TDC. I haven’t installed the TCT yet or the CAS, only because i want to make sure the timing is set properly.
Now, what other things do I have to look out for here? Now that i have everything somewhat apart, i dont want to do risk not getting the timing right, and messing something up when i get it dropped back into my car. here are a few pics
Set crank to top dead center (TDC)…2nd mark from the left on the pulley. With the #1 cam lobes facing away from each other.
Remove tensioner.
Look at the front of the exhaust cam. You will see that there is a pin that locks the cam to the gear. You will also see a dot stamped into the cam gear at approximately 1 O’clock. This dot is used to mark tooth #1.
Starting from exhaust cam tooth #1 count (clockwise) the number of teeth until the top surface of the head. The head should be between 8 and 9 teeth.
Adjust cam position as necessary.
Find the DOT on intake cam. Once again this is tooth #1. Count COUNTER-clockwise to the top of the head. You should find that the top of the head should be between 4½ and 5½ teeth. Adjust as necessary.
Count the number of chain pins between the 2 dots across the top. You should count 20 pins.
Install tensioner. Rotate engine 2 full turns and slowly bring it back to TDC ( #1 lobes out)
Re-inspect cam position as listed above. Repeat if necessary.
Install CAS according to FSM procedure.
I found this was written more clearly than the FSM
now, as far as the 2 silver or gold links in the chain,i was told they need to be where the marks are on the cam, and the middle of the link needs to be flush with the mating mark.
oh and also, the engine has been out of the car for a few weeks, so im not sure if i will have to take the front cover off and make sure the crank timing pullley is positioned right.
I believe it was also 9 links of the timing chain between the intake and exhaust cams marks. Your chain should also have discolored links in three spots. 2 fairly close to one another, and another far from them. The two close are the obvious cam marks, and the further one is the crank. Worked for me when I did my engine. Runs fine. If it were out a tooth either way, you’re engine would likely not fire at all, or if it did, would run like ass.
Also, remember to be at TDC on compression stroke when you install the CAS, and line up those marks on the CAS.
The timign cover was not removed? I would while you have everything apart, and inspect the timing chain guides, and make sure they are in good condition. You don’t want one of those shattering on you. I don’t think you would be out a tooth on the crank gear, as there is a little pin next to the gear to prevent that. Although, it’s better safe than sorry.
