Lotus Europa Community

I finally have the Cat Cams adjustable gear on the cam.
It did not go well.
Despite heating it the gear mount galled again.
When it was finally on there was a lot of run-out and wobble.
I cannot wait for a third hub!
The first one was not too bad, so I put it in my lathe and took the minimum out of the inside bore.
That made it a drop-on fit, which I am not thrilled with.
So I've mounted it with metal reinforced JB weld to take up any slack and pitting.
A bolt and washer retain it.
My only other reasonable option would be to reuse the original gear.
But I am sure it is worn and I may need the adjustment.

EDIT: Well, &$@!&!&%*#!
There is NO room for any sort of bolt to retain the cam wheel.
If Gordini engines had them they must use a different front cover.
I am beyond incensed, I've put many cam gears on engines and never had this sort of trouble.
Not sure if the end of the cam may be just a tiny fraction oversize or what.
CAT is not going to send me another center, so I suppose I will have to buy another full set.
I really wanted to use dry ice, but it is not available anywhere around my area.
Doubting CAT CAMS would be willing to fit it for me, I would pay the shipping if they would.
I simply cannot keep doing this.

Hello!

I am interested in bringing this one back to life, but it would mean me bringing it back to the UK. Shipping is a short $2,000, so if you are game for me arranging that, I can firm up the shipping quote and PM you for address details etc.

All the best

Berni

DO NOT use the pic on the Cat Cams site to reassemble you adjustable cam wheel if you have had it apart for any reason!

The small bevel on the inner part is also cut at the wrong end.
The bevel is important to get the cam wheel to fit onto the cam without issue.
It is needed to assure centering the part.
I already ruined one, so being ultra cautious this time.

I used a height gauge to confirm correct assembly.
Checking all dimensions for height and gear off-set.
I put the inner piece in my lathe and cut my own bevel.
Assembled correctly the adjustment screws will be on the front side, which is the only way that makes sense.

CAT pic attached.

Thank you Mr. Fehr for bringing this to my attention;  46/0324 has a factory installed access panel.  It would be interesting to learn when this solution to an obvious problem came about.

I have a 72 Europa with title that is mostly in boxes.  My mechanic bought it and was putting it together when he died suddenly.  The body is just sitting on the frame.  Interior parts are in rough condition. Four tires are flat and use skates to move it around my storage facility. The frame is in excellent condition with motor and tranny in place.  He did have motor running about five years ago.  It is way too much of a project for me and would like to pass it along to a fellow enthusiast who could put it to some use instead of sending it to the landfill.  I am close to Atlantic City NJ and welcome any suggestion.