Anyone played with cams on a CA18DET?

[matt b]

Small update.

Parts finally turned up this week so I have swapped the original exhaust cam to the intake side and fitted a spare replacement exhaust cam. I have also fitted adjustable cam gears.

I could not for the life of my get the fucking cambelt back on last night. Be fucked if I can remember how I managed it last time. Tips?

Thanks Matt

[Speedyblue]

Tips?

Count the teeth between the timing marks very carefully.

Twice.

I don't remember having that much trouble. Just loosen the tensioner bolt, use an allen key to back the tensioner off against the spring, then re-tighten the bolt to keep the tension off the belt.

[matt b]

I don't remember having this much trouble last time either

I have tried to get it on both with the tensioner loose and completely removed to no avail.

I will have another crack this week.

[260BC]

Got the right belt?

[matt b]

Hi Richard
Using the same belt as it's done SFA km's and is in perfect condition.

[matt b]

OK so I have just finished bolting everything back in and the fucking thing is still borked.

To add to the joy I also no longer have headlights.

A fellow forum member has recommended I try GT Auto Garage on the northside. I will book it in with them tomorrow.

If that doesn't work I will purchase matches.

[260BC]

Adjustable cam sprockets are the same diameter as the OE ones? It has to be something like that, assuming the belt is being put on straight.

[Guido]

Not that problem Richard, the timing issue that has plagued the car for the last 5 years.

[Shifty]

Start a new thread, with a relevant topic/title:

"Timing keeps retarting 20 degrees, HELP!" or something like that.

[Shifty]

retarting, sorry thought it was chipper's mum... meant retarding

[Guido]

1) http://www.performanceforums.com/for...php?t=67246374

That's the main one, there have been a few related ones.

[matt b]

Can't be stuffed starting another thread. Time could better be spent burning the car.

[260BC]

Ahhh, the old burn the car situation, we have all been there mate, five minutes after its fixed you will forget

[matt b]

Ahhh, the old burn the car situation, we have all been there mate, five minutes after its fixed you will forget

I know Richard I know.

That and the fact that I am positive it is something relatively simple are the only things keeping me going.

[matt b]

Update

GT Auto Garage had the car for 3 weeks (I gave them a big list of things I wanted checked/replaced) and got it running. I was really impressed with their efforts and would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone needing a car specialist.

Anyway, the issue appears to have been the knock sensor plug. The wire had worked loose within the plug and was only making contact sporadically. Once the wire was glued back into the plug it fired up OK without the timing retardation issue.

I also had them replace the engine mounts as one was stuffed and I wondered if this was causing the knock sensor to "hear" some noise.

All sensors were checked and found to be OK other than the knock sensor issue.

Coolant was checked for stray current.

Fuel system wiring was checked along with the original Datsun and the newer S13 looms.

Voltage drop from the rear mounted battery to the alternator was checked.

The car still isn't 100% right but I am guessing that is due to Matt Spry not being able to finalise the tune last time as the timing dropped out before things were finished.

The car goes back to him in early September to finish the tune and dial in the cams. Fingers crossed everything is sorted and I can hit the track shortly afterwards.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and help.