HELP! timing issues.....

[monomer]

Yep, another timing issue thread.

Just transplanted this 1.6d from a mk1 to a mk2.

I've taken the cam off (per the bently) to allow me to rotate the crank (marks did NOT line up)


Upon turning it CW from the passengers side, it stops. As if it's hitting valves. I can see the mark coming up in the timing cover, it's just an inch away. It's in the compression stroke of the first cylinder, and the engine has good compression. I just don't want to FORCE it to turn and risk bending valves (which should all be up at this point?)

[Mark(The Miser)UK]

Turn the cam a little and see if you can get past. I assume you are in lobes up #1  cam  locked position.

[monomer]

camshaft is REMOVED.


debating if I should just pull the head and install a new gasket, as I have cosworth studs here....

[maxfax]

Pull a GP or injector and see how she feels..  Could just be compression...  If you turn the engine till it get's tight, and let it sit a few mins (long enough for the pressure to leak past the rings) will it turn easily again?

[rabbitman]

Is the transmission in neutral during this test?

How does it feel if you turn the crank in the normal direction?

[monomer]

Driveshafts not connected, nor is trans linkage.


It's normal feeling until it gets towards tdc on c1. Need to pull gps anyway, got news fast ones

[monomer]

Still not turning to TDC, 3/4 of the glowplugs removed.


GP on Cyl. 1 was seized, took heat and wax plus an extractor to get out. Looks like theirs just enough thread left for the new plugs (with antiseize)


I've tapped on the lifters with a mallet to be sure all valves are released, nothing weird. It's just odd it turns right up to the point where I can see the marks coming round. I know the engine has good compression and was well taken care of, but this is crazy. Shouldn't need to use a cheater bar to crank it around, and I don't wanna force it and risk bending/snapping valves.


I might just lift this head off and see whats happening. The car has a one notch fibre gasket (factory?) on it now, and this motor may see a little boost. Have all arp stuff sitting around for another build anyway...

[R.O.R-2.0]

bent rod keeping the crank from turning all the way? (counterweights catching on piston skirts/bottom of piston)

[monomer]

Engine came out of a running mk2. It was sitting for 2 years

[vanagonturbo]

Sitting where? Its possible that there is rust on the bores and this will cause what you are experiencing..

[monomer]

Sitting where? Its possible that there is rust on the bores and this will cause what you are experiencing..

That would indeed explain it.


Judging by how the top end looks, it's a well taken care of engine. I don't believe the PO oiled down the cylinders before storage.


Should I wrench on it? I'm realllyyyy close to popping the head off....

[Mark(The Miser)UK]

Sitting where? Its possible that there is rust on the bores and this will cause what you are experiencing..

That would indeed explain it.


Judging by how the top end looks, it's a well taken care of engine. I don't believe the PO oiled down the cylinders before storage.


Should I wrench on it? I'm realllyyyy close to popping the head off....

How far the other way can you turn.
Work out the angle between stoppages on crank sprocket and work out how far from TDC you are. 
I suspect that head off is safest bet.
Easier to free up  piston travel.

[maxfax]

Like Mark said, pulling the head would indeed be the best and safest bet..  But you could try filing the cyls with ATF of PB blaster and let them render for a while and see what happens...

[monomer]

Like Mark said, pulling the head would indeed be the best and safest bet..  But you could try filing the cyls with ATF of PB blaster and let them render for a while and see what happens...

That's the plan for tomorrow.


If that doesn't work, heads coming off. Go fast goodies going on 

[monomer]

Heads off.


It's been off before, as the bolts look to be SHCS instead of the triple square I planned on running into.


Whoever said rust was correct. Mostly cylinder 4, the rest look rather clean. Even some crosshatching left. Turns just fine by hand now, after scraping a bunch of muck off.