BDR Cam timing

[Gridgway]

I'm recommissioning a BDR that's not been run since 2008.  I need to check the cam timing.

I thought I'd found an Internet resource to tell me how, but I can't find it again.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[mikestifel]

Do you know what cams you have?  The pulleys should be marked.

[Gridgway]

Thanks Mike.  No idea on cams yet.  Although it may be written in the build sheet which might be in the paperwork.

What I've done though is to put #1 at TDC (properly with a dial gauge) and the marks on each cam sprocket line up exaclty.  Also there's a mark on the back of the exhaust sprocket which matches exactly a mark etched on the cam cover.  I think that's good enough for my purposes.

The PO said he had to move the car into his parents garage in 2008 and it never came out.  It was running fine at the time.  I'm checking it through with a view to running the motor to try and gauge its fitness before I take the car apart to "refurb" it.

Also now that I went looking for the build sheet on the computer I found an RS1600 supplementary workshop manual PDF which some kind person sent to me which is very helpful.

I've also found the build sheet showing BD3 cams on both sides.

[mikestifel]

iirc the marks on the back of the pulley line up with a notch on the cam cover and are used for ignition timing.  i'm sure there are people here who know a lot more than me though.

[paul_w]

That sounds right, and as Mike says the marks on the back of the sprocket/top of cam cover are for doing the ignition timing - they are TDC, and 10 and 20 degrees BTDC.

Are you going to change the belt before you run it? The Cosworth belts are quite thin compared to modern production car belts and so any age related weakness could prove expensive!

[Gridgway]

It definitely makes sense to change the belt.  I wouldn't run the belt on a long term basis, so no loss in changing it now.  I suspect it'd be fine, but no point in taking the risk.