Author Topic: Cam alignment (Read 6030 times)

scott KC · « **on:** January 20, 2007, 06:11:59 PM »

I'm having trouble getting my cam aligned. I replaced my profile gasket and put everything back together. I marked my cams and chain sprokets before dismanteling. Using those marks I re-assembled, started it up and thought I now owned a tractor.

In severl of the posts by members, I've noticed that the cam end blocks must be aligned or square to one another. Using my marks on the sprockets and cams, the cam end blocks were not quite square. The car ran beautifly before i took it appart.

I have the engine in TDC. I've inserted a 8mm metal rod into the flywheel.
What is the best way to get these cams aligned???

sheepdog · « **Reply #1 on:** January 20, 2007, 08:49:51 PM »

I got the engine at TDC and then loosened the intake sprocket, got it lined up, then did the exhaust. Then rotated the engine and double checked it.

careful, if you are off one tooth, it will sound like what you describe, also, the flywheel has a hole on both sides. So you can have the pin inside and be 180 degrees out, ask how I know...

When doing the intake cam, if you cannot rotate it into place because it feels as though it is binding, you are a tooth off.

scott KC · « **Reply #2 on:** January 20, 2007, 09:00:50 PM »

I'm able to adjust either cam with the bolts lose. I'm thinking maybe i'm 180 degrees out. I assumed with number one piston in the up position and my 8mm through the flywheel I was at TDC. I also have the arrow on the case and notch on the main pulley lines up.
Could that also line up at 180 degrees out?

Pedro · « **Reply #3 on:** January 20, 2007, 09:05:16 PM »

when i did the timing the chain, the sprocket arrows had to point up and the CAM lobes had to point in toward each other.

Also,
since i didnt have the cam tool to lock the cams in place i used computer paper. i removed i cam cap from each of the cams and placed the computer paper directly on the cam and under the cap then ran down the nuts. since the clearance is so tight the paper is thick enough that it keeps the cam from turning. If you use a lot of force the cam can still spin but like i said it was a lot of force.

maybe some help
http://ee1394.com/bmw/docs/E36_ServiceManual.pdf

go to page 117-2 bottom pic

D. Clay · « **Reply #4 on:** January 20, 2007, 09:48:57 PM »

http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1519&highlight=tools

sheepdog · « **Reply #5 on:** January 21, 2007, 01:17:13 PM »

Quote from: Pedro;17916

when i did the timing the chain, the sprocket arrows had to point up and the CAM lobes had to point in toward each other.

Specifically the front lobes.

And yes, #1 piston should be up. You may be a tooth off.

Pedro · « **Reply #6 on:** January 21, 2007, 05:19:05 PM »

Quote from: sheepdog;17937

Specifically the front lobes.

And yes, #1 piston should be up. You may be a tooth off.

yeah sorry i didnt specify.