Timing help

joe1980 · Oct 22, 2009

I need help I’m pretty sure I have lost timing poisons because I’m a Muppet!

I have a 97 1.8 vvc with 55k on it and I’m due for my 3rd head gasket due to the age and value of my car I decided to do it myself (now regretting it) I have striped it down, the head is being skimmed ordered all the bits nearly read to rebuild but I think the timing is out I’m pretty sure the crank is in the wrong position all the piston are level in the cylinders, and I’m not sure about my marks on the pulleys. I will only be happy if I can reset everything as I rebuild can anyone help and save me from truing my engine in to a block of mouton metal I know it’s getting old but I do love my car save me from blowing it to bits and I’ll be eternally grateful

Joe (the Muppet)

1955diesel · Oct 22, 2009

Pistons all level is correct for timing. Don't turn the crank with the head off!

When it comes to refitting the head, all the cam pulleys have timing marks so no need to worry. There is a thread with illustrations here - http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=87730

joe1980 · Oct 23, 2009

That helps a lot but i can't see the marks on the crank it's still in the car can i do it with out getting the rest of the engine out, the pistons arn't spot on a few MM in it

joe

1955diesel · Oct 24, 2009

The crank pully will definitely have marks if you look hard enough. The cam belt sprocket beneath it also has marks - two dots that line up on either side of a rib on the oil pump.
As I mentioned, don't try to turn the crank without the head on. If you do, you risk disturbing the seal between the liners and block.

joe1980 · Oct 29, 2009

I have just rebuilt the engine think it went well it runs fine seems to have the power as before but idles very low and keeps wanting to stall. Any ideas ? I’m assuming it’s a sensor

Joe

1955diesel · Oct 29, 2009

Glad you got the job done.
I'm always suspicious when a running problem develops after work has been done. Double check all your connections and also recheck the cam timing.

Timing help

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