Stu wrote:The instructions are clear enough until you try to use them! The manual shows the Z7EX mark level with pin 0 below it and 1 above, but the mark points directly at a pin! If I count this as pin 1, then with the chain tight I can't get the required pin count to the mark on the inlet cam unless the Z7EX mark is pointing up. If I count it as pin 0 (closer to the way it looks in the diagram) then with tight chain the z7ex mark points slightly down. I assume this is correct as the chain will dip slightly in the centre with the cover on.
This pic was taken during process, I think my final version! 47 pins visible, 0 to 46, Right to Left.
I can't really make out anything from the picture, but this is what to do to check the cam chain timing (based upon what the genuine factory manual says, plus the practical installation problem i.e. getting the front chain run tight enough). .....
Rotate the engine with camshafts installed around to arrive at the TDC mark. It's the only way to pull the front chain right tight enough. If you just try and pull it tight by hand as the manual says, guarantee you'll be a full tooth out after you've rotated the engine and really pulled the chain tight. Ask me how I know.
The Z7EX timing mark on the exhaust camshaft sprocket should now approximately align with the cylinder head upper surface. It doesn't exactly, its in the right tooth to chain location if moving it would make it worse. The chain pin the Z7EX mark points to is pin 0. Count 45 pins starting from pin 0, and the IN mark on the inlet camshaft should be sitting between the 45th and 46th pins. Don't worry that the IN mark doesn't align perfectly with the cylinder head surface. It's now correct.
With a truly tight chain, the Z7EX in the position that places it as near to the head surface, and the IN mark between the 45th and 46th chain pins ..... It's correct! Well as correct as you're ever going to get without using a degree wheel.