get the timing right

[corvette66]

What is the proper way to get the valve timing right on an overhead cam.
I have an old ford 2.3L 4 banger. So the #1 piston is at top dead center, and I have the cam turned so that both valves are closed for the compression stoke, but thats about all i know for sure. Im not sure how to adjust the cam so it's dead on!! I have the HAYNES manual, but it's about as helpfull as chop sticks with chicken soup.

thanx

 

[Tom Bryant]

There has to be a mark on the cam sprocket somewhere to align with a fixed point. A library might have a manual or you could try a bigger book store.

 

[JonM]

Try looking here...some stuff is pretty good info...

INFO LINK

 

[wishuwerehere82]

I used to have a 2L ford. The timing mark is on the camshaft gear and its a hole with kind of a pointer stamped on it, there is a notch on the head that lines up with it, It should be straight up with the crank at TDC.

 

[corvette66]

well there is a mark and a pointer on the cam sprocket, "the timing marks" but i was thinking that the valve clearance could change when the head and deck is milled. ??? just a thought

 

[Tom Bryant]

Your valves will be closer to the piston tops. If you have any fear of there not being enough clearance put some modeling clay on the piston tops and turn the engine over by hand. Then remove the head again and measure the thickness at the valve reliefs. Don't use play dough as it is somewhat elastic and will spring back thicker than your actual clearance.

If your cam belt has a spring loaded tensioner to take up slack, from what I've read, you don't need to worry when you mill and deck as the tension is taken up on the back side and not the stressed side so the belt length will still be ok. It seems like valve timing may be effected though. I think it would retard the valve events by moving the cam and crank gear closer to each other with the same number of belt teeth between the sprockets. I don't think you could mill/deck enough to actually line up the marks one tooth shorter. If you had to remove very much material it would be a good idea to check with a degree wheel to see how the cam timing has been effected. Don't want the pistons to assist in closing the valves. On a chain driven V8 you can get shorter chains to make up for milling and decking.

Tom