Securing Cam Shaft Sprocket During Head removal

[kgb123]

Hi,
Im taking the head of my engine and have got to the point of seperating the cam shafts from the timing chanin sprockets. My manual(s) suggest fittting a thin 7/16 nut to the threaded centre pin on the sprocket, but mine aren't threaded! See Photos.
Looks like the pin might take a circlip or something like that, but will it work? I obviously don't want to mess with the timimg!!! Anyone seen/addressed this before?
Re the chain tension adjuster. Manual says release center bolt (mine is a nut) depress the plunger and rotate clockwise. This seems to increase the tension and there is not much adjustment movement. Going anticlockwise there is more movement and seemingly less tension in the upper chains??
Any advice greatly welcomed.
Thanks

[piman]

Hello KGB,

if going anti clockwise gives the least tension, do that.
The other trick I've seen is to use a rubber band between the pins that project from the cam wheels. Cut the lock wire and remove the bolts (stuff some rags down below the cam chains in case a bolt is dropped). As the wheel is eased off the cam the pin will be long enough to hook the rubber band on the pin, This will support the camwheels while the head is lifted. Are you aware that the inner part of the cam wheel is splined and can be separated from the outer once the circlip is removed, This makes setting the timing very easy; do you have the little setting plate which fits over the camshaft?

Alec

[oldtimer]

Hi KGB,
Don't want to teach Granny to suck eggs but,
Before taking anything apart:-
Ensure engine is at TDC on No 1 cyl Use a DTI down the plug hole, raise the piston from one direction,mark the position on the damper underneath, then do the same again from the other direction, mark again , the differance is the ineffective crank angle, split the two marks and that is TDC, -- TO ENSURE CORRECT VAVLE TIMING ON ASSEMBLY IT IS INPORTANT NOT TO MOVE THE CRANK -- It's a bit late for me so I am trying to rush. Ensure the timing plate fits into the slot of both camshafts, does not matter if they don't fit in exactly but it tells you if the engine is on the correct stroke. The rotor arm should also face No 1 cyl . YOU WILL HAVE TO RESET THE VALVE TIMING . Remove the locking wire from the sprocket bolts, slacken bolts, remove bolts,ensure nothing drops into sump.Gently tap sprocket off camshaft flange.Slide the sprockets up their respective parking slot and secure You will require a tool to adjust the top chain tension on reassembly.
Note The centre of the cam sprocket is held in place with a light circlip (thats if it is still there) Removal allows seperation of the two halves. On assembly fit the sprocket with chain onto the camshaft flange,rotate centre part to align bolt holes
Trust that is useful
Goodnight
Oldtimer

[kgb123]

Thank you for your help and explanations. Will proceed as suggested with the rubber band approach. As for teaching granny....I'm a beginner in every respect when it comes to engines so grateful for the pointers.
Kevin