[SDR]

how come the cams are so far out?
with the crank pin in eng is pinging.
on the secon mark vibrating(+ big jump on start).

it looks like there is no relation between the tdc and the cams locked position at all,
so where is the correct 0 degrees for the cams or where is the tdc?
(apparently the camshafts are reset when are locked)

 

[ChrisF]

Well last time I did one I couldn't see any marks on the crank pulley so just set it to no.1 cylinder at TDC using a screwdriver in the plug holes, then locked the cams and put the belt on at that. Runs spot on and goes quite well.

 

[SDR]

eventually i reversed to the set up i had before i replaced the belt i.e. tooth for tooth on the belt.
however the headache was that the cams locked don't line with crank pin, or any marks for tdc on the crack pulley.
(there is just 1 small glitch with the object in the plug hole story, for precision it should be measured at both ends of the flat spot, on other hand now the crank is NOT in tdc position with the cams locked)

 

[Avinitlarge]

Well last time I did one I couldn't see any marks on the crank pulley so just set it to no.1 cylinder at TDC using a screwdriver in the plug holes, then locked the cams and put the belt on at that. Runs spot on and goes quite well.

That exactly what I always do, Never had any problems

Just noticed, You have an X reg which is usually a blacktop, If so have you got the right locking pin?? I tried to use a silvertop locking pin on a blacktop and it was too short

 

[SDR]

yes i have a pin and it is too long. it is 2.5"+1/16". when set with it was pinging a lot. now i can'tget it in. it's about 7-8mm longer.

 

[bgenie]

Apparently when I purchased my locking tool from a Ford affiliated motor factor, the clerk mentioned that I wont need to use the pin on my car (Blacktop) and just the locking bar at the top. I also used a long screwdriver or bar in the plug hole and set number one piston to TDC and timed that way. I am not sure how the pin actually worked in the blacktop and saw how it does in the silvertop as my brother has it on his Mk5 Cabriolet Escort.