Timing pointer (front cover)

[Jono]

I am building a fast road engine based around a 1300GT.

I've almost finished the short engine and I would like to fit a fixed pointer so that I can mark the key points onto the damper - TDC, 15 degrees, 33 degrees etc.

Dez Hammill describes doing this in his book where he advises brazing on a 'blade' to the front cover but that is on an A+ which has a different timing case and a larger area where the 'blade' can be located.

I need to put the pointer in a position which will be seen when the engine is fitted but I have no reference point to gauge this as the engine is not in the car.

Can anyone advise what they have done in this regard? I was thinking of rigging something up which could be fixed using the timing case bolts but I would prefer something which is properly 'fixed' a la Dez's suggestion.

Any suggestions would be appreciated - photos even more so

Cheers

Jon

[Spider]

The old Dampers and some of the new replacement ones are not marked (and even those that are I check when building)

While the head is off, using the degree wheel and a dial gauge, I find TDC (0.005" drop of the piston either side then average between them). I can then accurately mark TDC on that damper to that engine.

To put further marks on the damper, I set them up in the Rotary Chuck in the Mill and mark off what else I may want there. The Rotary Chuck is quite fine and accurate for degree movements, down to 10 seconds of an arc (well, the ones I have are, there are some better than that).

I guess another way would be to use a sheet on paper, wrap that around the damper so that one edge is on your TDC mark and then mark it again where the paper over laps, then when laid flat on the table, you have a pretty good 360 degrees, measure between and work out where to put your other marks, wrap it back around the damper, check the 360 degrees is still right then mark off your other marks - make sure you work the right way!

[Jono]

..photo

[Jono]

Cheers Spider,

That's what I'm seeking to do

But I am trying to find a place on the timing cover to braze or weld on a pointer to provide a permanent reference once I have established TDC and other timing marks using a clock. I will then transfer them onto the damper and probably put a saw groove on infilled with white paint.

It's where to put the pointer that's taxing me

Jon

[Dean]

i got a thin bolt , ground it to a point and welded it to a tab of metal , which i drilled a hole through and used one of the timing bolts to hold it in place

set the engine to TDC, as spiders has said
i then marked my own TDC mark where the point of the bolt lines up to, notch it with a hacksaw and put some tipex in it so it shows up
better( i am using a Mini spares S damper so had no markings)

i did not worry about any other degrees as i have a timing light that does that.

but just remember to put it in a position that when its in the car you can easy see it and be able to point a timing light at it,

if i get a chance tomorrow i see if i can get a photo of mine, the engine is fitted so maybe hard to see.

EDIT:

i just found i picture on my phone just after i dropped the engine in, and before i put all the alternator on etc.
but you can just see the thin bolt below the big alternator bolt ( well i think its a 40mm M5 machine screw) but anything will do
and you can just make out the notch on the pulley.
i will get a better one tomorrow

[NZmember]

I did the same with a nail I think.

[1071 S]

Get a bit of stiffish wire, wrap end around the shank of the bolt in bottom left of picture... snug down bolt. Bend the other end to point at TDC mark....

I have a belt drive kit so I just notched the edge of the cam drive case adjacent to the mark on the harmonic balancer.

Cheers, Ian