OK, I finally figured out Flick'r's new posting system. What a pita. See the timing set problem post, #58 on this thread. Page 3 if you're displaying 20 posts per page. Ah hell, I'll just re-post it.
OK, here's the re-post .......... The key that the factory uses to drive both the crank sprocket and the crank pulley is the standard Woodruff design, round cut on the backside to fit into a round bottom slot in the crank nose originally cut on a type of horizontal mill. It seems that mine was either a bit too short on the top (flat) side or the slot was cut too deep, and this allowed it to "rock" in the slot. With the sprocket putting more side load on the key than the pulley, it "rocked" up into the pulley slot and down out of the sprocket slot. Eventually far enough to let the crank sprocket slip. This turned the cam loose in relation to the crank, allowing the valves to get out of phase. With the addition of enough valve size and the subtraction of enough head material this condition then allows the valves to come into contact with the pistons and tends to bend things. I suspect that the situation with the moving Woodruff key on a stocker would still break the crank sprocket and subsequently the cam sprocket as well. You'd be spared the bent valves though. I simply made a taller Woodruff key and it's working properly now. I dug up a slab close to the needed thickness, hacksawed, ground & filed on it to fit. Some heat & quenching and it's a bit harder as well.
OK, I found this shot of Arfons working on the chopper engine car (love the pit technique), but there was no additional info with it. I think it is his. Anyone have anything more on this?
Update of sorts .......... Well I have'er back together and will have'er at the "Long Beach Motorama" show this weekend. For once I'm ahead of the "last minute before the meet". If I'm right this will be our final set of changes of any note. From here on out the car should be a reliable high to mid 12 second car. Now to get my R/Ts and consistency under control. Next racing stop, Eagle Field. Then the closing ANRA, and if all goes well a decent next season in '11.
Looking forward to some fine coverage of the Eagle Field Happening. With all the problems this year, you are due a problem free season next year. Go get 'em!
Have a good run at eagle feild ****... ...and stop bustin' them gears and get a 2nd run in! ;D Good stufF!
The Jalopy Journal
