Question about camshaft removal and replacement
Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2020 1:16 am
Hi Guys, is it possible to remove and replace the camshafts on a Lotus Twin Cam for valve clearance adjustment without removing the camshaft sprockets? Endless type timing chain fitted.
The reason I ask is that I'm currently tossing up what style of front "D" plugs to fit. The OEM type are best sealed with a thin smear of RTV on the periphery where they fit into the head and therefore I'd prefer not to have to remove and reseal them in the process of in-service valve shim adjustment. Scraping and cleaning old RTV is a pain and it's easy for bits of it to fall into the engine during the process. Yes you may be able to remove and replace the sprockets without touching the "D" plugs if you use a ring spanner but I prefer to use a socket and torque wrench on the sprocket bolts.
Lotus Marques on the other hand offer an aftermarket rubber D plug with extended sides which I believe will be a good deflector of oil and so their plug will be more leak resistant than the OEM type if no sealant is used when the "D" plug is fitted. If you do have to remove the sprockets I'll fit the Lotus Marques D plugs.
See below photos of the Lotus Marques "D" plug and the OEM type side by side.
The reason I ask is that I'm currently tossing up what style of front "D" plugs to fit. The OEM type are best sealed with a thin smear of RTV on the periphery where they fit into the head and therefore I'd prefer not to have to remove and reseal them in the process of in-service valve shim adjustment. Scraping and cleaning old RTV is a pain and it's easy for bits of it to fall into the engine during the process. Yes you may be able to remove and replace the sprockets without touching the "D" plugs if you use a ring spanner but I prefer to use a socket and torque wrench on the sprocket bolts.
Lotus Marques on the other hand offer an aftermarket rubber D plug with extended sides which I believe will be a good deflector of oil and so their plug will be more leak resistant than the OEM type if no sealant is used when the "D" plug is fitted. If you do have to remove the sprockets I'll fit the Lotus Marques D plugs.
See below photos of the Lotus Marques "D" plug and the OEM type side by side.