how hard is it to time a zetec 2.0 engine?

i have rebuilt the zetec engine and want to know if its hard to timeup a zetec engine?


i have not put the cam belt on yet, but i did try turning each camshaft, i did notice the exhaust camshaft when i turn it springs back after 1 full turn, is this normal because of the valve springs ? and because therres no cambelt to take the tension?


anyone please advize how i time the zetec engine up will i need a timeing disc? or can i do it without?

 

simple - there's an offset slot in the back end of each cam - get a metal bar the same thickness as the width of the slots, when the cams are in the correct position the bar will fit in the slots and flush with the head top face. Unless the head has been skimmed, the belt should fit straight onto the pulleys, otherwise you may need to slacken the cam pulley bolts and let them find the natural position when the belt is fitted and tensioned, then tighten the bolts with the bar still in place to clamp pulleys in the correct position

 

ok thankyou richm

have you timed many zetecs up before mate then, as this is my first time doing it and wondered how hard it is.

also i was reading on http://www.zetecinside.com/xr2/zetectune.htm
it says "You will need a timing disk (disk showing 360 degree markings); a piece of stiff wire to act as a marker for the timing disk; a dial gauge" ??

can i ask why it states this way?



also when i have put the bar in to hold the 2 cams whats next mate?
as i got to time the crankshaft pully

thanks

 

you only need a protractor if you want to move the cams away from the standard position, otherwise lock them in position with the bar in the slots, (make sure the pistons are part way down the bore while adjusting cams so you don't hit valves), turn the crank to line up the crank pulley notch with the marker on the front cover, and if necessary loosen the cam pulleys to get the belt to fit taught down the long side, although if the head has not been skimmed it's unlikely they will need adjusting.

 

oh i see so is it as simple as placeing the bar in to lock the 2 cams, then turn the crank to line up the crank pulley notch , thats it? thought there was more involved thatn that

also you know the cams , do the cams have to be a certain way round mate? as noticed you can have slot 1 way way or turn it the other way, and the cam lobes are a diffrent position.

 

The slot in the cams is offset.. the locking tool will only work with the cams in one position..

 

ok thanks mate,

can i ask how can you tell what cam is for inlet and which cam is exhaust?

as the cams are not marked and wanted to double check i have put the cams in currectly which is which??

 

The inlet cam has a key at one end for the phase sensor to pick up on..

 

i see it thanks mate much appretiated ,

are new cam bolts expensive ? or can i use the same cam bolts? or will i need new ones?

 

use the same ones, but be careful to avoid damaging the head by letting the tool slip, they will be tight! Be sure to retighten them properly, as there is no key or dowel to hold the pulley in position on the cam - if it comes loose the cam WILL slip!

 

im useing the same cam bearing caps bolts guess this is ok right?

just tighned them up and all tightened ok.

 

dont know if its worth mentioning but the zetec also uses a pin to lock the crank of whis is located on the back of the block on the drivers side about 3 inches in and about an inch above the sump its an 8-10 mm nut i normally pull the plugs out set no1 piston just before the tdc romove the blank insert the pin in the block and turn the bottom pulley till it hits the pin this way you know your not 180 out on the timing and the bar ti lock the cams will fit nice and snug once this is done use the pulleys as verniers and adjust they belt accordingley hope this helps mate

 

cant seem to find that pin to lock the crank ? which is located on the back of the block on the drivers side ??

cant seem to spot it mate?

 

anyone have a picture or know the location of the pin to lock the crank of which is located on the back of the zetec block ?

 

it is located on the front of the block just below the exhaust manifold

you can buy a timing set for arounf a tenner or use a plate and m8*65 bolt

 

i must be blind as still cant see it

 

ok i place a bar in number 1 piston, and moved the crank pully the highest point the piston goes i then checked crank pully and it lines up with the timeing mark on crank pully does this mean the timeings corret?

as theres 2 pully timing marks but it lines up to this one



also someone suggested there will be a little bung you can remove and put a timing pin in which will lock against your crankshaft to get the perfect timing

i cant seem to find the timeing bung?? can anyone help?

 

i think that the newer zetec's only have have the timing pin.

 

on the picture above the 2nd slot in the crank aligns with the 45 degree casting mark on the right lower sump by the pulley put yer bar in the top and bobs yer auntie