Timing case replacement. Which one?

[englishmaninwales]

Ok, engine is now in pieces and cylinder head sent off for repairs and refurbishment (thank you for advice on another thread about this).

Front cover is old and very tired, showing signs of 50 years attack by previous owners. Stripped front sump fixings that have been drilled out odd size so the bolt hole is wafer thin. The coolant pump area has been attacked with a Birmingham screw driver and is cracked, as so is scrap.
Back plate is bent, could possibly be straightened.

But I think it is time for a treat for the engine with some new castings.
I know this has been been done to death, but the obvious choice is between QED original pattern replacements(?370) or Burton modular pump/timing case (?516), inclusive of pump and hardware in both cases.

I like the sound of the Burton product and I'm prepared to pay the extra. Burton tell me it is a direct fitment.
Not too bothered about originality (Car has solid drive shafts and a leather interior) and the QED product still leaves me with fitting - and re-fitting from time to time - the pump innards).

Searching this forum I can see some discussion about the Burton parts and the need for machining the top of FC and backplate to give the correct difference in deck height with the block (in my case a genuine Lotus 1500 type):
http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/lotus-twincam-f39/because-front-cover-need-replacement-need-advices-t32562.html?hilit=front%20cover

What experiences do people have of fitting either product?

Thanks for advice - a great forum indeed.
Malcolm

[billwill]

I can see some discussion about the Burton parts and the need for machining the top of FC and backplate to give the correct difference in deck height with the block (in my case a genuine Lotus 1500 type):
http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/lotus-twincam-f39/because-front-cover-need-replacement-need-advices-t32562.html?hilit=front%20cover


Malcolm

Burton sell the timing case in two versions for two heights
a) original block
b) Block replaced from a Ford Crossflow. (711 Block ?)

I don't recall my tining case being 'lower' than the block and I've not had problems there.

[CBUEB1771]

I can verify that the Burton kit for the 1600 tall block matches that block height nicely, can't imagine that the kit for the 1500 block would not also match the 1500 block height. The Burton kit is very nicely made but originality is always a consideration. I was just looking at the QED web site and it is not clear if their front cover is cast with the stiffening web between the cam chain tensioner boss and the hose attachment point. Not sure when Lotus added this stiffener in production. The Burton front cases are cast with the stiffener. I would check with QED on this point.

[englishmaninwales]

Bill
I understood the timing case should be about 1mm lower than the block top, to accommodate the cork gasket when compressed. I guess the same would apply to the 711 block with its spacer.

The issue I was getting at was whether Burton product came with the correct machined height. The linked thread suggests that it does not?

[S3DHC]

Hi
I fitted the Burton unit without any problems
Yes it's expensive but I took the view it was an investment and a time saver when replacing the pump or seals in the future
The Burton ordering service & delivery process was faultless so I can recommend them as a quality supplier

[billwill]

Bill
I understood the timing case should be about 1mm lower than the block top, to accommodate the cork gasket when compressed. I guess the same would apply to the 711 block with its spacer.

The issue I was getting at was whether Burton product came with the correct machined height. The linked thread suggests that it does not?

Best place to ask is Burton

NB: I think they do two heights of timing case AND a spacer for those people who already bought the shorter one & then later changed to a tall block.

[john.p.clegg]

Sods Law states ...

If you buy one with a removable pump ,it will never fail.

If you buy one without,it will fail in two years.

John

[englishmaninwales]

John

Thank you for the opinions both here and off line. Anymore views, positive or negative, on the Burton unit, supply or fitting?
Malcolm

[PaulFinch]

I have the Burton cover on mine. Ordered online arrived the next day.

Didn't fit it personally but my engine builder (Anderson Racing Engines) rates them and I've certainly got no complaints. In my opinion the peace of mind afforded by the ease of replacement is worth the extra outlay.

[RotoFlexible]

Another vote for the Burton unit. My engine builder was impressed by it (high praise indeed from this individual) and it has been working fine for five years now. It's fitted to a standard height TC block.

[englishmaninwales]

Thank you for the responses, helpful for making choices.

If anyone has any negative comments about Burton or the product and not wishing to post here, please send me a private message.
Thanks

Malcolm

[Chris]

The Burton unit is a Quantum leap forward.
After years of oil leaks emanating from timing case top/spacer region of my tall block engine, I opted for the Burton unit. Fitting the unit was not straight forward, and required the engine to be out and stand mounted. After accurately aligning the new cover and back plate to the engine, (using a metal ring to represent the oil seal), the sump face was found to be ok, but the top face required almost 1cm to be machined off in order to level it with the block top. I can only assume this cover is meant to fit other even taller blocks. However, with careful build, the use of composite gaskets, and modern sealants such as Loctite 574 I now have a completely leak free engine. GO FOR IT.
Cheers
Chris

[rgh0]

Hi Chris
The tall block version of the Burton cover is designed to fit a normal full height 1600 block. Many people deck the 1600 block when converting it to twin cam use in order to use standard twin cam pistons, so it does not surprise me that you had to deck the Burton unit for your engine.

cheers
Rohan

[englishmaninwales]

Hi Chris
Thanks for that. I have a standard 1500 block so Burton's shorter components should be a straight fit.
Thanks for the advice about centralising the front cover, I hadn't thought about that.
Yes, I 'd wondered about using 574 on the front to backplate joints.
Any other fitting ''Gotchas'' ?

Malcolm

[billwill]

Be careful not to block the tiny hole and passage behind the backplate that squirts oil onto the timing chain. On the exhaust side about half way down.