RV8 camshaft timing

[chesterak]

I'm advised an easy method for in-situ cam timing is to set crank at TDC (using machined reference point on timing cover) and the measure with two DTI's full lift on both inlet and exhaust on No1 cylinder. Anyone tried this method?

[Sidecarbod]

Originally Posted by chesterak

I'm advised an easy method for in-situ cam timing is to set crank at TDC (using machined reference point on timing cover) and the measure with two DTI's full lift on both inlet and exhaust on No1 cylinder. Anyone tried this method?

Sounds more complicated than the normal way of setting up a degree wheel on the crank and then just using a DTI gauge to find the lobe centre of the inlet cam. (That is the figure that most cam manufacturer's state). Even doing it this way it still took me several hours to get it spot on. It is quite hard doing it on your own whilst the lump is in the car and you will probably find that you can not get it spot on unless you've got a vernier cam sprocket.....have fun!

I would not trust any timing marks on the damper until you've checked that they are accurate using a DTI screwed down the plug hole.


Regards,

Pete

[chesterak]

Pete,
Thanks for that - after I read my post I realized I was talking rubbish. What I meant to say was "equal lift between in and ex" not max lift. I think this method is called "splitting the overlap" and its supposed advantage is you don't need a timing disc.

[Sidecarbod]

Originally Posted by chesterak

Pete,
Thanks for that - after I read my post I realized I was talking rubbish. What I meant to say was "equal lift between in and ex" not max lift. I think this method is called "splitting the overlap" and its supposed advantage is you don't need a timing disc.

How does it work then, is it that at TDC the exhaust and inlet valve are at equal lift during the overlap phase?

I did have some problems getting hold of a timing disc, in the end I uesd a 360 protractor that I bought from WH Smiths!. It was quite large, maybe 6" diameter and worked very well.

Regards,

Pete