Cam Timing Question

[scottanf]

With lots of reference to this forum (thanks everyone) I've managed to get the 3L in my 78SC back to a point where it looks like an engine again. We installed 9.5 cr JE pistons and just finished timing the cams using the Stomski tensioning tool. The readings were .042" left and .042 right and all looked good so in went the tensioners. Since I still had the dial meters installed on #1 and #4 I gave the engine a few more turns as a final check and found that the left cam was still a solid .042" but the right had advanced to .047". Should I go back to the drawing board reinstall the stomoski on the right cam and set it again?

[Eagledriver]

While I like to get the two sides as close to the same as I can, I'd be happy with what you have. When these engines came from the factory they weren't timed as accurately as you have now. You are right in the center of the spec.

-Andy

[scottanf]

Thanks Andy It took a lot of patience to get it set and I didn't want to repeat unless I had to.

Scott

[917k]

hi the cam timing always muves after a few turns it dipends in the valve adjusment but adjust the valves and check timing dont leve it more than .001 from cam to cam thats the best for the motor
omar

[MobileWrks]

Thats alot closer to spec within the 2 that ive seen in a while.. Glad to see it wasnt a frustrating thread on how many beers it takes.. Most for the first 3 times takes a while, but do it in the end.. How far are you now? Pix to show?

[cstreit]

At rest (engine not running) the tensioners will not exert the same pressure on the cam chain as the mechanical ones you used to do the adjustment. Once the engine is running and the tensioners take up the slack, the timing should go back to your adjustment level.

Speculating: One side may slack more than the other because of the direction of travel, hence one side being off more than the other. I've never re-checked once the tensioners are in because it always changes at that point. Trust your set? You're good.

[RoninLB]

the two sprokets per cam don't line up again for about 9 complete revolutions

[scottanf]

Chris, your'e right on regarding the tensioners ar rest. I put a little more tension on the idler and noticed that the reading heads back towards the .042" it was set at using the mechanical tensioner. When the oil hits the tensioners I think it should be real close.

Thanks

[viejopatron]

After doing my best effort on my camshaft timing, I took the engine to a pro wrench to check my work. After all the time and money I've spent I wanted to be sure that this operation was right.

Oh yeah, How did I do? Very minor adjustment was needed to meet the Pro's standards.