Timing Chain work. (updated photos)

[Catho]

With the head complete ('Off with her head' post) I have started work on replacing the timing chain.

(Finally) removed the bottom pulley bolt, tools used : Can of lubricating/penetrating spray, 19mm socket, 2ft breaker bar, lump hammer/mallet....attached to the hand of a 16 stone 'well built' bloke.

This was the part I was dreading as I knew the bolt was going to be let's say....a little tight! however, a few blows with the lump hammer on the bar, it went, a few more turns and to my delight it was out  

I approached this job with slight trepidation as I feared it was a difficult process (Okay, I haven't finished the job yet!!) but I was surprised at the simplicity of what existed behind the cover......cue comments about how naive I'm being....

I checked the guides, followers etc... Not sure how they should look (I've seen photos of broken ones which have gotten into the chain/sprocket and caused the chain to jump and....well, you know the rest!!) they have 'grooves' on them but they're still in one piece, anyway, they're being replaced.

So whilst I wait for the kit to be delivered, I have time to clean/degrease, check and re-paint the cover.
Also, I'll give the block a clean, check and a new coat of paint.

Photos of todays' work.....









Flywheel 'locked' with breaker bar wedged into state of the art engine stand/pallet.
Clara (in background) overseeing the operation  







Cleaning block...
(The 'wet' side)


(The 'dry' side)


Good old Paraffin


Degreased and wire brushed, ready for paint.


Timing chain cover awaiting inspection and cleaning

[melinx]

Well done but what happened to the high tech flywheel locking tools ?

[Catho]

Haha, I knew you'd mention that 

They're still in the process of being made, but I really wanted to get that bloomin' bolt undone.
I also had visions of one of the flywheels tooth going 'ping' and breaking off with the amount of pressure I was going to need to use undoing the bolt.

The bar wedged into the flywheel did the trick, but I will still need the tool (when it's made) to lock the flywheel when I torque the bolts up, so all's good 

[g4rth]

very nice mate...

[Catho]

Thanks bud.

[Murph]

Must be nearly ready to reassemble now.

[Catho]

Must be nearly ready to reassemble now.

Yeah, just awaiting timing chain parts, the block has been given a fresh coat of high temp paint. In the meantime I've been starting to reassemble a few ancillaries: Starter motor, engine mounting brackets, power steering pump, alternator bracket.

Still a way to go yet though. 

[melinx]

I've been starting to reassemble a few ancillaries: Starter motor, engine mounting brackets, power steering pump, alternator bracket.

If you haven't already done it, it's probably a good idea to check that the brushes in the starter motor aren't at the end of their travel in the brush holder.

http://totalcarlton.com/forums/index.php/topic,10500.msg83735.html#msg83735

[g4rth]

so makin me wanna rip mine to bits and startin again ..lol...
 maybe next year....lol

[Catho]

If you haven't already done it, it's probably a good idea to check that the brushes in the starter motor aren't at the end of their travel in the brush holder.

Thanks Mel, I know the starter was okay when the car was last running, I haven't stripped it to see what condition it's in inside, and dare I say it....I was going to bolt it on and carry on as normal, but you now have me thinking, should I strip it 

It's only on finger tight at the mo, and it's been bugging me.....and when things bug me I have to investigate....so I'll end up stripping it by the weekend!! 

Thanks for the heads up 

[Catho]

so makin me wanna rip mine to bits and startin again

.....NOOOOO don't do it, your Carly is sound!!!! 

[Catho]

Taken from an original 1988 Vauxhall sales brochure, top view of the 3.0 ltr 12v lump.
(and how I want mine to eventually look )

[Catho]

Timing chain cover cleaned/degreased (what a job!!!  ) and repainted. (Water pump placed for photo)

[doz]

nice job. Little tip for ya (not telling you how to suck eggs) when you refit the cover put some grease on the lip of the oil seal. They don't like running dry.

[Catho]

when you refit the cover put some grease on the lip of the oil seal

Thanks Doz, will do. (I think the kit comes with a new seal, so the one in the above pic will be coming out, but I will grease the new one).

[Catho]

My flywheel locking tools were delivered today, very happy with the result. A perfect fit. 



In place at top of wheel.





In place on opposite side at bottom of flywheel.

[Murph]

Good job that man!

[g4rth]

nice work mate 

[Catho]

Timing chain kit delivered today and fitted this evening. Some more ancillaries fitted too.



Old Guides & new...



Not sure how long ago down the line this happened.....surprised things hadn't been worse!



Old Chain & new...



New Gaskets and Guide fitted...



Starting to reassemble...






Oil Filter, Genuine, only £2.50......so I bought another two!!

[Catho]

Just an update with a few photos of the Engine as it is at the moment. (ignore plugs-to-dizzy, they were put in random order for the photo)

Still a way to go, but getting there...

[melinx]

If you haven't already done it, it's probably a good idea to check that the brushes in the starter motor aren't at the end of their travel in the brush holder.

Thanks Mel, I know the starter was okay when the car was last running, I haven't stripped it to see what condition it's in inside, and dare I say it....I was going to bolt it on and carry on as normal, but you now have me thinking, should I strip it 

It's only on finger tight at the mo, and it's been bugging me.....and when things bug me I have to investigate....so I'll end up stripping it by the weekend!! 

Thanks for the heads up 

Superb, it "looks like a bought un".

Purely to satisfy my curiosity because I never had chance to look and see what the problem with mine was (it was replaced on an exchange basis) did you check the starter brushes ?

[Catho]

did you check the starter brushes ?

...Not got around to it yet, Mel. But the Starter (along with other parts) has not been tightened/torqued up yet, so it's still on my list of 'to do' things 

[NirelandGSI]

jesus thats one mint engine . i must put a pic up of my wee bros engine in his corolla gt coupe i no it has nothin to do with  this but its a piece o art like this lol . Has had a lot of time spent on it im sure some of yous would appreciate it .

[Catho]

Yes mate, post it on here if you'd like 

[g4rth]

yeah ..why not...nice to see other peoples work...