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[ronnie]

Can anyone tell me the socket size of the nut holding the camshaft sprocket on

[chickenjohn]

I have a Minor with the timing cover off, could measure if tomorrow for you if no-one else replies!

cheers John

[bmcecosse]

It's the largest socket in my set - same size as steering wheel nut..3/4 Whitworth. However it will of course really be an 'AF' size - 1 and 5/16 " AF - and a 33 mm socket may also fit (although strictly slightly too small) and a 34mm will be slightly loose......

[ronnie]

Thanks guys , I'm changing my sprockets to duplex , any views on this although I've already bought the set anyway

[ronnie]

Can anybody tell me the best and safest way to lock the engine when slacking off the crankshaft and camshaft nuts

[bmcecosse]

The duplex chain is for high lift camshaft/super strong valve springs. It's not a guarantee of no rattling - as my engine proves in spades.... If you want a quiet timing experience - you should follow the example taken by MG/Rover - and fit the Mini Simplex chain with tensioner system. It does work! With sump off - a lump of clean timber to wedge the crank against the crankcase wall, if sump on - then wedge the starter ring gear as best you can. The crank starter dog is best loosened using the starter motor and a spanner wedged against the chassis rail - with an old jacket on top in case it 'jumps'! In this case - DO NOT attempt to wedge the ring gear....no access anyway with the starter still in place.....

[ronnie]

Thanks BMC , my thoughts were on a quiteter engine but hey bought it now so might as well fit it . For loosening nuts putting it in gear with foot brake on not a good idea ????

[bmcecosse]

The duplex will be quiet - for a while. There is too much 'wind up' in the transmission to have much hope that way, but try if you wish..... . You do know about countersinking the two front plate holes ?

[ronnie]

I've no idea what you mean by countersinking the two front holes ???

[bmcecosse]

Oh dear......hopefully there will be instructions with the duplex kit..... If not - come back and ask.

[ronnie]

Roy , as I thought no instructions just the kit , any help gratefully received

[MarkyB]

Use the plain socket bar on the socket for the camshaft nut.
Push it onto the nut with one hand and give it a good whack with a hammer to undo it.
There should be 2 Allen headed, countersunk screws in the kit. they must be fitted to the engine plate just below the end of the crankshaft or the bottom pulley will foul and not turn.
Just use a countersink bit in an electric drill for the holes. the screws need to be flush with the engine plate.

[bmcecosse]

That's it - except - a drill bit will be 45 degrees and the screws will be 30 degrees probably..... A countersink bit will do a better job. You really 'should' take the front plate off to do the job - if doing it on the engine - make sure no swarf escapes into the engine..... The holes also need to be thoroughly degreased (cotton buds and lighter fluid...) and then use Loctite on the screw threads.

[ronnie]

Great advice guys , would never have known that till-rebuilt many thanks

[bmcecosse]

In which case - your engine would have refused to turn over.... Where did you get the kit - and are the two screws included?

[ronnie]

I got the kit from ebay from a company called ultraparts , had very good reviews . Yes the two black countersunk allen screws were in the box , should I rely on just the engine oil pump or maybe a bit of grease on installation

[bmcecosse]

I would lightly oil the new parts before refitting the timing cover. Check carefully that the duplex cam gear doesn't rub on the timing cover.

[ronnie]

Thanks roy , will post result at weekend

[gasolinescream]

Watching this as tackling the same job as soon as I can get hold of the tools.

Cheers Dan [frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Far better with a Mini Simplex chain with tensioner.....