PorKen

For faster timing belt or cam timing change access. Here's how I did it.



I was at the dyno the other week, trying out different cam timing settings, and I realized a lot of the considerable time to get at the 32V cam gears, especially the '85-'86, is all the junk to take off first! (About 2hrs to make a single cam timing change on both sides.) I vowed to think of some pit crew mods to speed it up.

The distributor caps, and timing belt covers are almost the slowest part, because you need a wobbly socket, and usually have to remove at least the center two plug wires to get a tool on the top screws. I saw these push on (really, hammer on) metric instant thumbscrews, which fit over socket head bolts, and I figured out a solution.

There must be an easier way, but since I don't have a lathe, I did it so:It would be better the screws were stainless steel, and the two side screws should be shorter, 60mm, IE. (1) 70mm, and (2) 60mm, each.

Next: thumbscrew 6mm bolts for the timing belt covers.

dr bob

There has to be a way to use Dzus fasteners, or maybe big aluminum magnets, maybe velcro...


Not that many people take thier distributor caps off regularly. I think I check the TB tension maybe once a year. You on the other hand probably R&R those puppies a few times a week. Few times an hour for tuning on the dyno too. Interesting idea!

Garth S

Sounds like a 'wingnut' solution to me ... ; I like it!! - did a similar stunt to secure the Delta tool box on my truck for quick removal. Mounted 4 big bolts on the bed, drilled & tapped their heads to accept 4 long bolts as you made - 5 min. removal ...

Mike Frye

Ken, I'm with Bob, most of us just set it and forget it.

I can see the value in it though, it's a cool mod.

Still waiting for the TB cover with the 'window' in it for viewing... That would be cool.

Imo000

Cool invention!


WINDOW = HOLE SAW!

PorKen

You don't really have to take off the cap covers with the 70mm screws, but they take up more space, and weigh at least a couple of ounces! They also color match with the '85-'86 balancer.

The accelerator cable bracket is another piece that requires removal every time. I need a QR for that. If I delete the belt driven fan it would be much easier. I actually like the fan, it is a good way to cool the engine, especially with A/C, but it sure makes access difficult, and it's noisy at high rpms.

The timing belt cover bolts should be easier, as they don't need to have the threads ground off.

Kevin in Atlanta

I think the 'decorative' cover is for noise suppression. The 'uncovered' version can be found on Volvos.

dr bob

The TB cover bolts are way easy-- Take longer bolts and put locknuts on them backwards with regular nuts jambed and loc-tite'd in place underneath. It gets the business end of the bolt in where it's supposed to be, and still lets you use the torque wrench on the heads. It's the cheap-n-easy solution. You of course would want some light-alloy bolts to maintain fightin' weight.

PorKen

I was thinking the distributor caps covers might be carbon impregnated or something for noise. That would explain the star shaped big washers.

The caps have cast-in numbers for a four cylinder - 1324.