Timing marks don't line up

[mvdv]

I just purchased my first model a, seems to be making strange noises so I pulled the timing cover off to check the cam spring and gears.I installed the pointed cover bolt so I could check timing marks when cover was pulled off. No timing Mark on the fiber gear and the mark on the crankshaft gear was way off?
So I started over turned the engine over until # 1 was on TDC and checked and the Mark was still off. Could this be right it did run fairly well. I will see if I can post a pic.

[Jacksonlll]

When there is no mark on the timing gear, the book says to use the key way. Their is a picture in Les Andrews Red book, page 325 that shows it. Good luck. It is probably in the right place.

[1955cj5]

As long as the timing marks on the crank gear and the timing gear line up, you are good to go.

Aligning the marks on the two gears is a guide for assembly.

Using the pin with the cam cover in place is a guide for ignition timing.

Same dimple, two purposes.

[Jim Brierley]

The marks do not line up when the piston is at TDC, so can be misleading.

[mvdv]

Ok! thanks guys I thought that when the pointer was turned around and located in the dimple, then the cover was removed, the timing marks would be aligned.
On the same topic,the cam spring. I can smash it between my thumb and forefinger doesn't seem like 35 lbs. to me.Would setting the spring on a digital bath scale then push down to compress while reading the scale be anywhere close to an accurate reading for compression?
Thanks Mark

[hardtimes]

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Originally Posted by mvdv

Ok! thanks guys I thought that when the pointer was turned around and located in the dimple, then the cover was removed, the timing marks would be aligned.
On the same topic,the cam spring. I can smash it between my thumb and forefinger doesn't seem like 35 lbs. to me.Would setting the spring on a digital bath scale then push down to compress while reading the scale be anywhere close to an accurate reading for compression?
Thanks Mark

Hey Mark,
That appears to be a 'fiber' cam gear. Maybe just my sight and/or picture angle....but are all the fiber teeth in excellent condition ?


Regarding the timing cover spring. If it is as you describe, I'd just order new spring/plunger and replace that worn spring.

[mvdv]

Yes they look good and I couldn't get hardly any play between two gears.I put an indicator on it but very hard to get any backlash between gears. Would running a feeler guage between the teeth be a better way to measure backlash?
Thanks Mark

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

If you can barely discern movement between the gears, you’re fine!

[GMCPASO]

The cam shaft turns once to the cranks 2 turns so they will only line up once per cam rev. Think about it.

[Patrick L.]

Keep rotating the engine, the gears will line up [ or should]. If they don't then the cam gear gear needs to be moved to make them line up.

A feeler strip is the easiest way to check the lash. It should be about .044-.007". Over .010" and it'll rattle.

The vendors have the springs, a washer can be put under it to increase the pressure/tension.

[mvdv]

The only Mark is on the crankshaft gear, nothing on the cam shaft gear. The attachment shows the location of the Mark on the crankshaft off to the right of where it should be setting By the pictures I have looked at?The attachment picture is with the engine at TDC.
You may have to enlarge to see the Mark on the gear.
Thanks Mark

[Patrick L.]

It looks as if both marks are there. The one on the crank is just to the right of the key as it should be. The cam gear mark appears to me to be on the far left of the gear/picture at the white mark. Turn over the engine until the marks line up. If they end up off a tooth or so then the cam gear needs to be removed, turned and reinstalled.

The condition of the gears look good from what the picture shows me. But, the gears should look to be in good condition. If not, one or both should be changed. If the lash is excessive at least the cam gear should be changed.

[1955cj5]

The timing mark on the cam gear is the same dimple you dropped the pin into to find top dead center.

[aermotor]

If you have the wrong timing gear cover the pin/hole will be in a different position and not drop into the hole at TDC, I guess the same could be said for wrong cam gear and correct cover.

John

[katy]

Would setting the spring on a digital bath scale then push down to compress while reading the scale be anywhere close to an accurate reading for compression?

That will work, BUT, you need to know the compressed length when installed, that's where the reading should match the spec.

Using a drill press is a handy way to do it.