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Re: 1969 Elan s4 timing/starting issues
Posted:
Sat Jun 13, 2020 12:54 amby vstibbard
It sounds like when you adjusted the tension you wound the tensioner in too far.
The workshop manual gives a clear visual method of checking chain tension with the cam cover off.
V
Re: 1969 Elan s4 timing/starting issues
Posted:
Sat Jun 13, 2020 7:44 amby vxah
You don’t say exactly where the cam sheared off? It’s going to be quite important to understand what caused the failure in order to prevent a repeat!
I’m guessing you didn’t build the engine so could the po have made a mistake with previous work? Camshafts have been known to break but it is unusual for a standard set up to do this, a keen eye may be needed to look over your engine?
Re: 1969 Elan s4 timing/starting issues
Posted:
Sat Jun 13, 2020 8:17 amby alan.barker
I've heard of people breaking camshafts when tightening down camshaft caps
Alan
Re: 1969 Elan s4 timing/starting issues
Posted:
Sat Jun 13, 2020 8:23 amby rgh0
There were 3 types of standard Lotus camshaft fitted to the elan and they can be identified from the grooves on the hub where the sprocket fits
No groove - standard "B" type cam
1 groove - SE "C" type cam
2 grooves - Sprint "D" type cam.
Replacement cams of these types can be sourced through the usual Elan parts suppliers - e.g. Dave Bean and others
Re: 1969 Elan s4 timing/starting issues
Posted:
Sat Jun 13, 2020 8:38 amby nmauduit
alan.barker wrote:I've heard of people breaking camshafts when tightening down camshaft caps
Alan
it's easy to apply a great bending leverage if the front locating flange is not properly located into the head recess and the middle caps are torqued in...
Re: 1969 Elan s4 timing/starting issues
Posted:
Sat Jun 13, 2020 10:36 amby alan.barker
There are 4 different Camshafts. Don't forget the "E " type also plain no grooves.
Ref Miles Wilkins page 181 "Lotus Twin-Cam Engine"
Alan