Buddsy 1,456 1 Vehicles Report post Posted March 9, 2014 Got that was a close call! Buddsy Quote "Belief is the enemy of knowing" - Crrow777 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shanesprit 2 Report post Posted March 9, 2014 I actually missed it and put the belt back on, but it slipped as I tried to cheat and turn the engine with the tension loose, in taking the belt off I noticed the tensioner was not shinny ( not related ) so I happen to spot this while taking the tensioner off to clean it up 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vulcan Grey 235 1 Vehicles Report post Posted March 9, 2014 Very lucky! Haven't seen a failure like that before! Quote Travis Vulcan Grey 89SE My Lotus Photo and Projects Album Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shanesprit 2 Report post Posted March 9, 2014 I have a question Do I need to disturb the head gasket to remove the camshaft box? From what I can see it should be ok? Looks like the cam box has its own bolts with the head sat on studs? I am just wanting to change the head to cam box gasket? Is it a gasket or sealer? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shanesprit 2 Report post Posted March 9, 2014 I am glad you have not seen a failure like it I think the previous owner had a top end rebuild to sell, I know the valves were replaced but don't have a receipt. I guess the garage broke it, believe the garage was family of the previous female owner. I was really only after changing the belt as I had not fitted it myself, it's best to at least know when the belt was last changed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vulcan Grey 235 1 Vehicles Report post Posted March 9, 2014 The cam towers are removable without disturbing the head. That is part of the valve shimming process btw. Use magnets on each tappet when removing the cam tower, otherwise you will scatter the shims all over the place and you won't have any idea where they came from, or where they went. Before you remove the cam towers, take valve clearance measurements and write them down for each position, and save that data for when you put the cam towers back on. You'll need to double check valve clearances and possibly have to move shims around or order new shims. Quote Travis Vulcan Grey 89SE My Lotus Photo and Projects Album Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DaveyT 198 Report post Posted June 11, 2016 @Vulcan Grey, Hi Travis, (or any other knowledgeable guru) Is there a specific reason for silicone rather than tread lock on the camshaft bolts? Just about to fit a new belt having done the camshaft seals, and can't find anything about it in the manual. Remembered this comment from a while back before we decided to take the lump out. TIA Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vulcan Grey 235 1 Vehicles Report post Posted June 11, 2016 It's to seal an oil passage so oil doesn't leak around the bolt that holds the cam pulley on. There should be a lock washer, so thread locker is not needed. Quote Travis Vulcan Grey 89SE My Lotus Photo and Projects Album Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DaveyT 198 Report post Posted June 11, 2016 Ahhh, so there IS a passage into the cam housing area? Making it in effect a hollow camshaft? Cheers Travis! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vulcan Grey 235 1 Vehicles Report post Posted June 11, 2016 right. The cams are cross drilled, and the housings have passages to feed the cams. 1 Quote Travis Vulcan Grey 89SE My Lotus Photo and Projects Album Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fjmuurling 49 1 Vehicles Report post Posted June 12, 2016 IIRC there is a grub screw (allen head) taking care of the sealing in the end of the camshaft where the camshaft pulley retaining bolt goes. 1 Quote Esprit Freak Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vulcan Grey 235 1 Vehicles Report post Posted June 12, 2016 There is a grub screw/blanking screw. But some silicone RTV is still needed to prevent an oil leak. Quote Travis Vulcan Grey 89SE My Lotus Photo and Projects Album Share this post Link to post Share on other sites