Rb26 Cas Problem

[PewPew]

Hey guys. I just changed the timing belt cover on my RB26, which requires the removal of the CAS from the front of the engine. After I put it back on and started the car, I can hear knocking from the engine. I don't think I lined the CAS up the exact same as when it came out. Is there a way I can find how I should put it back in?

Thanks in advance.

[blind_elk]

There is basically only one way that the CAS can be fitted that will permit the engine to run. The only difference from where it was before you disassembled it is the base timing setting that you will now have, and you can check that with a timing light.

[DVS JEZ]

It should have a dowel location pin inside the spline. If that is lined up then u need to get a timing light and set the position of the cas.

It should be fairly central in the elongated holes on the front.

If its knocking (i guess u mean pinging) when driving full boost then u need to back the timing off, so loosen the cas bolts just enough so u can rotate it, then with the engine running rotate the cas anti clockwise a couple of mm, this should lower the idle and retard the timing, if the idle rises then rotate the other way till the idle lowers.

But really u need a timing light and set to 20degrees at idle then test.

[PewPew]

There is basically only one way that the CAS can be fitted that will permit the engine to run. The only difference from where it was before you disassembled it is the base timing setting that you will now have, and you can check that with a timing light.

Thanks for the quick reply. So you reckon use a timing light and adjust the timing until it idles well? Won't it damage my engine running it while its knocking?

[PewPew]

It should have a dowel location pin inside the spline. If that is lined up then u need to get a timing light and set the position of the cas.

It should be fairly central in the elongated holes on the front.

If its knocking (i guess u mean pinging) when driving full boost then u need to back the timing off, so loosen the cas bolts just enough so u can rotate it, then with the engine running rotate the cas anti clockwise a couple of mm, this should lower the idle and retard the timing, if the idle rises then rotate the other way till the idle lowers.

But really u need a timing light and set to 20degrees at idle then test.

It's pinging on idle as soon as I turn the engine on.

Didn't sound good so I turned it off straight away.

[DVS JEZ]

Oh wow. U definately stuffed something up then. Take it back out and make sure the dowel pin is inside the cam. Then align the cas so it goes in past it. ( half the dowel is in cam other half is in cas) u will see what i mean when u look for it.

Make sure that is aligned then set the cas rotationto centre for now and try again

[PewPew]

Yeah mate, there's a half moon on the CAS and also one inside the cam which come together to form a dowel. I loosened the 3 CAS bolts and moved it around a bit, then hand tightened the bolts with the socket tip which seems to have fixed the problem. But whenever I tighten it with a wrench, even half a turn, it starts pinging again.

[boostn0199]

Are you sure the cas is not rubbing on the cam gear because maybe the timing cover is a different thickness, because I remember when I forgot to put spacers when I ran no timing cover and it made a noise like that and not long til the cas died. Because there is no way you can put it in the wrong way it only goes one way as other said and as you said it only come on when you tighten it then Im guessing its touching.

[DVS JEZ]

Make sure the rubber grommet which has the 3 spacers in It is fitted from the other timing cover. Without this as boostn said u will break the cas, i have done this before aswell

[PewPew]

Thanks, that sounds like it. The old cover didn't have any grommets, so I'll pop into Clark Rubber tomorrow morning and grab some.

Thanks again for the help boys

Edited March 1, 2011 by PewPew

[DVS JEZ]

U need to find out exactly how big the spacers are. Ur better off getting a genuine one. Ur old cover should have it?

[Deano 1]

there not just a peace of rubber mate, they are a washer all the rubber does is keep all 3 washers together so u can put it all on at once, imagine trying to slip 1 washer on at a time, while sliping in a bolt and not droping them down in behide the cover. The idea is to make it easy, if u want to just use washers casue u dont have the factory one, u will need to Find the perfect size washers to make it sit in the same spot as factory... like Jez said.... or you will smash your cas, im amazed you havnt already to be honest.

[PewPew]

U need to find out exactly how big the spacers are. Ur better off getting a genuine one. Ur old cover should have it?

Yeah the old cover has it but it's all crusty and when I try to peel it off it just snaps. I kept the washers that were already on the bolts, and just added an extra rubber washer which was the same thickness as the rubber gasket, which would make it sit exactly as it would normally.

I understand this probably isn't the best approach.. so I'll probably head down to my local dealership tomorrow and order a new OEM gasket. Gave 'em a call today and was told I'll have to get one in from Japan.

Again, thanks for the input guys