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Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: BERNIEHUMBER on Wednesday,June 07, 2023, 10:19:49 AM

Title: Refitting the 807 Distributor drive gear
Post by: BERNIEHUMBER on Wednesday,June 07, 2023, 10:19:49 AM

HI:
Another critical step.
I think I have the engine set up for 1&4 pistons TDC yes firing(?)
The cams at #4 in balance(?) and #1 cams with their circular profile uppermost(?).
I have included some pics to show what state the pistons vs cam shaft are now.
I inserted the drive gear with a 53 degree setting and the small "flat side" in the appropriate spot.

Thanks for any clarification.

Title: Re: Refitting the 807 Distributor drive gear
Post by: jbcollier on Wednesday,June 07, 2023, 10:02:46 PM

Pistons and rough cam orientation correct.  Not sure your cam timing is set properly though.

Title: Re: Refitting the 807 Distributor drive gear
Post by: BERNIEHUMBER on Thursday,June 08, 2023, 08:18:59 AM

HI J:
Thanks for the get back.
Here is a pic of the chain alignment as it stands now.
If that's off then its start a new!
Bernie

Title: Re: Refitting the 807 Distributor drive gear
Post by: jbcollier on Friday,June 09, 2023, 06:15:33 AM

I don’t have my manuals in front of me but you set up the chain and sprockets with the guides and tensioner removed.  Equal chain slack on either side.  It all moves out of alignment when the guides and tensioner are fitted.  The timing is still correct though.

Looking at your earlier photos, the lobes are not symmetrical which is what led me to saying your cam timing is off.

Title: Re: Refitting the 807 Distributor drive gear
Post by: BERNIEHUMBER on Friday,June 09, 2023, 07:49:36 AM

HI J:
Thanks for the get back on this.
I was wondering how the alignment marks on the Cam gear and Crank gear lined up after installing the tensioner and guides.
I will do it again as I can see how the cam might be out a tooth or two.
Bernie

Title: Re: Refitting the 807 Distributor drive gear
Post by: BERNIEHUMBER on Friday,June 09, 2023, 01:53:51 PM

HI J:
Here is the best I could get doing the line up of three points(center of cam,cam gear marking and crank gear marking) and slack in chain on either side.
Two shots with the steel rule and one with putty holding string.
Thanks
Bernie

Title: Re: Refitting the 807 Distributor drive gear
Post by: jbcollier on Friday,June 09, 2023, 06:54:09 PM

That looks better.  Fit the guides and tensioner now and check to see if the cam is more symmetrical at TDC

Title: Re: Refitting the 807 Distributor drive gear
Post by: BERNIEHUMBER on Sunday,June 11, 2023, 09:33:06 AM

HI J:
After redoing the cam chain install I was out by one cam tooth(see pic).
The first install I did the crank and cam setting marks/centers lined up after installing the the tensioner.
I have included the redo picks.
I have a spare cam shaft so I checked the contours of the two and they were identical.
I also checked the cam chain lengths,it was ok.
The old Europa shop manual I have from when I bought the Europa has a fairly good set of instructions and outcomes.
In the end the cam lobe(s) moved 1 tooth rotation to the good.
Bernie

Title: Re: Refitting the 807 Distributor drive gear
Post by: jbcollier on Monday,June 12, 2023, 06:57:25 AM

That looks much better.

Title: Re: Refitting the 807 Distributor drive gear
Post by: BERNIEHUMBER on Monday,June 12, 2023, 07:37:37 AM

HI J:
Thanks for the get back!
Bernie

Title: Re: Refitting the 807 Distributor drive gear
Post by: BERNIEHUMBER on Monday,June 12, 2023, 04:20:31 PM

HI J:
One last question on the cam/crank alignment marks.
When they line up is that the most obvious indication that piston #1 is at TDC and in firing position?
Thanks
Bernie

Title: Re: Refitting the 807 Distributor drive gear
Post by: jbcollier on Monday,June 12, 2023, 07:45:33 PM

Yes, when it is apart.  When it is together, I use the TDC mark on the flywheel and #4 valves rocking.