How to set the timing on a 52 cooper

[judderi]

Hi all. Im in the middle of fixing a blown head gasket on my 52 cooper. Now the garage stripped the head and diagnosed a blown gasket hence i didnt see how it was before it came apart. Now the work was supposed to be done under warranty but seen as the warranty isnt worth the paper its written on i am going to have to do the repair myself.

Well ive got the head checked and skimmed with a new gasket all back together but im struggling setting the timing. Ive got the bottom end set with number one piston to TDC and this gives me the 1 copper link on the chain visable at the camshaft. I then match the link to the mark on the outside of the camshaft sprocket. But then the camshaft key does not line up with the notch on the sprocket. The only way i can line it up is by rotating the bottom end thus moving the pistons away from tdc & rotating the chain and camshaft sprocket thus ligning up with the key on the camshaft. However this cant be right because when i turn the engine by hand i can only turn so far as i suspect a valve is clashing with the piston. Im obviously doing something wrong so can somebody explain the right way to set the timing for me please.

[marque]

Hi ya

Have alook at this link see If it helps there are marks on the cam gears
http://www.mini2.com/forum/first-gen...-cooper-s.html

Hope this helps

[judderi]

Got it sorted! I spoke to the mechanic that stripped the motor. He said that he had marked the 1st cam cap with the camshaft with the engine set to TDC. So with the engine set at TDC i put the cam sprocket on with the mechanics marks lined up. The single copper link wasnt lined up with the arrow on the cam sprocket but after turning the engine over a few times it lined up. The cars now back up and running. Got another question regarding the knock sensor but i will start a new thread.

[marque]

Hi ya

good news glad it's sorted :-)