CAM timing question...
 

I followed Wayne's book's suggestion to use a vice grip to increase tension on the timing chain before I time the cam.

Now that its done, if I replace the vice grip with the carrera chain tensioner, I think the tension on the chain will be slightly lower? If so, will it affect the CAM timing (I think it will)?

If the CAM timing changed, what should I do?

depends on how tight the VGs were. if you were rather gentle, no problem. if you used both hands to clamp them, yes. on bolt style cams, normally you would just install the tensioners on both sides, take up the slack, then do the timing. can't say i ever used VGs.

I guess its considered gentle - I clamp it down without much force with 1 hand.

Sounds like I should install the tensioner now then re-check timing. Re-time with tensioner in place only?

I installed the tensioner & re-check my timing.

It is now off by 0.02mm (2.28mm instead of 2.3mm as needed). Is this close enough or should I re-time it with the tensioner?

thanks!

If you are able to set them to within .02mm, you are a better man than I. Most of the specs for timing have a range of about .3mm.

-Andy

Thanks for the dose of confidence :)

I finally finished everything - installed all rockers & adjusted the valves.

On a final check of CAM timing, both sides shows 2.26mm - off by 0.04mm per the spec given for the CAM. A little more than before but then this is after hand turning the crank 100 times so the setting should be accurate.