Morris Minor Owners Club

James
Put a straight edge across the teeth of the crankshaft and camshaft gears and see if they are aligned. If they are not aligned put a feeler gauge under the straight edge and that will tell you how much shimming you need to take out or put in to bring the crankshaft gear into line with the camshaft gear.
3 thou crankshaft end float is correct.
The correct end float for the camshaft is 0.003" - 0.007".
Picture extracted from David Vizard's book How To Modify Your Mini.[frame][/frame]

The crank sprocket teeth look quite 'sharp' - is it new - and I hope a new chain?

Okay, I'll have another check of the alignment tomorrow. I'll check the cam end float too. Yes, they're new sprockets. Probably why they were so hard to fit! I've got a new chain as well.

Well done - did you also fit new 'rubber rings' on the cam sprocket?

bmc
I expect James is now scratching his head wondering what rubber rings! Now what have I left off? - If you mean the original type rubber ring cam belt tensioners they are not required as he has fitted a duplex timing chain set up.
Phil

I didn't see Duplex - even now - looking closely, it's just visible to my poor failing eyes..... So no rings with Duplex - but do check clearance from the timing cover - and if the chain has a 'joining link' , make sure it is facing away from the block.

Wouldn't have thought it was a good idea to fit a timing chain with a joining link, if indeed it has one. In fact I didn't know you could get that type of chain for the timing gear, thinking they were all endless!

Sadly - some sets are supplied with the link (actually don't think that's a problem) - and if fitted inwards, it can catch on the countersunk screws - if they are not completely countersunk.

It is indeed a duplex chain so no rubber rings. I've measured the cam end float and it's 4 thou. I'm finding it quite difficult to measure the alignment since the teeth on the cam sprocket are 'steeper' than those on the crank, if that makes sense. I've been trying to measure it from the tips of the teeth and as far as I can see, they are lined up. I don't see any joint in the chain.

You'll just need to line them up best you can..

Hi,
I'm just waiting for an oil pressure gauge pipe then I'm going to start the engine up on the floor to test it. The thing is, I don't have an oil thrower. Is it possible to test the engine without the oil thrower and then swap it over from my old engine or is it essential to have one?

It is essential...otherwise oil will flood the seal. You are planning on starting it without a timing cover fitted? Not sure this is a wise idea...

No, I wasn't planning on running it without the timing cover. Don't worry! I've got a timing cover with the felt seal to test it with and no oil thrower. When I swap the engine over, I'm going to swap the timing cover as well since my current engine has the cover with the rubber seal. The felt seal cover is just for testing.

James
You have PM.
Phil

I dunno what you hope to achieve with the 'test run' - not a great idea to run it without any water, so I suggest you rig up some kind of water cooling - is it really worth all the hassle ?

I'm going to run it with a radiator. The reason behind it is that the Traveller is my only car and I need to use it a lot. I'm testing it to make sure it's all running properly and that there aren't any oil leaks etc. That way, I can put it in the car knowing that everything is fine. Otherwise, if there's a problem with the engine then I won't have a car until I sort it out.

You should have faith in what you have done !

Hi,
The engine has now been started and run. It was started for the first time yesterday and after getting the timing sorted, it started first time! Today I ran it for about half an hour with a radiator and fan. It runs very smoothly, no oil leaks, no smoke, no rattling or other noises, seemingly nothing wrong with it at all! There's 50-60 psi oil pressure at idle and the compression is 165-170 psi on all cylinders. I'm very pleased with it!

Now I just need to get a clutch and engine mounts and then it should be in the car by Tuesday or Wednesday evening.

Well done!!!!

Excellent, well done indeed