offset dowels

[jeff jackson]

I have read with interest Miles Wilkins book on the Twin Cam regarding offset dowels.
Has anyone experience of using them? Do they come out? I'm obviously terrified of wrecking the engine for a simple dowel change.
I am toying with the change as I am getting ready to have a few thou skimmed off the head. As far as I know this has not been done before, certainly not in the 20 years I've owned the car and according to the history file from the PO, not in the 17 years he owned it.
Will I need them? Don't know until I get the DTI and timing disc on it.
Kind regards
Jeff 72+2

[billwill]

You could fit the expensive vernier cog wheels instead.

Others have mentioned off set dowels and I don't think anyone has mentioned any difficulty getting them out.

[jeff jackson]

Hi Bill,
Sorry, what I meant was not getting them out, but them falling out in use once I have fitted the new ones in.
I couldn't bear it if the engine was wrecked if a dowel fell out.
How much are vernier wheels?
Kind regards
Jeff

[Chancer]

They cannot fall out, in fact they are more secure than a standard dowel which could in theory fall out if the hole in the cam was oversized.

Used loads of them over the years, I have always had a problem with the name "vernier cam sprockets" as I have yet to see any with a vernier scale etched on them, they should just be called adjustable sprockets/pulleys.

[rgh0]

Hi Jeff
I fully agree with Chancer

cheers
Rohan

[miked]

Hi Jeff,

The front locating clamp washer covers the face of the dowel at the front so it can't come forward. In terms of going backwards the offset of the step in the dowel will prevent this. Be careful getting the old dowels out. Little bit awkward and can be quite tight. Mike

[billwill]

There you are, the others have said it isn't a problem.

My 'vernier' aka 'adjustable' cam sprockets were fitted for me about 15 years ago as a general enhancement during an engine overhaul; I didn't specifically ask for them.

But if you are interested, Burton Power sell them.
http://www.burtonpower.com/parts-by-cat ... 318-2.html


In the spirit off adding lightness, the offset dowels win hands down...