Zak1

Thank you all. I will have a go at using the dot instead of the woodruff key as a point of reference. Not sure how to hold the flywheel in place as I can't remember if the notch on it will be at the correct point (I seem to remember there might be two notches so the other may be visible at that point). As you may have noticed I'm somewhat of a beginner to this LR malarkey and I apologise for my lack of rudimentary understanding! I'll get back to you all tomorrow with I hope success. If I don't, then my wife can send the message after grieving for my self inflicted demise (if she grieves at all). Thanks again Zak1

Thank you all. Monkie I have used the woodruff key and not the dot marking (made that mistake already), in order to set TDC and indeed No. 1 piston is at the top of it's cycle. Puffernutter and Neil 110 when you say 180 out which cog do I turn through 180 degrees? I'll try anything at this stage! A solution I've come up with, although a tad odd, would be to put some shims under all the rocker assembly pillars to elevate it and then get the necessary clearance but not sure if this is a tad too Heath Robinson for such a finely tuned piece of engineering. Does this ring any bells wth anyone as a way out? Thank you all for your suggestions. Zak1

Can someone help? I'm putting back the head on 12J engine and have replaced the cam belt. I've followed the instructions re timing to the letter a mixture of web advice and manual. Screwing the head down was fine until I noticed that one of the push rods appeared bent. Dismantling confirmed this and whilst waiting for a new day and new push rods I again attached the head minus one push rod (call me stupid). No problem until I manually attempted to turn the crank which came to juddering stop as one of the valves (exhaust over No. 4 piston) came into contact with piston. Easing it back and taking the slack off all the rocker arms, now giving the valve springs loads of room, only seemed to work until I hit another stop further in the crank cycle. Phone calls and visits to mechanics seemed to suggest that somehow the timing was out. Checked timing again No. 1 TDC, all notches where they should be. Spoke to nice guy at Dunsfold who suggested I try to turn it without the rocker assembly. Great it worked. Put the rocker on loosely, again with success. Now tightened the assembly and again can't damn well get the thing to turn, with audible clunk, even with the the arm adjustment at it's loosest! Please help as I'm about to do damage to myself. Many thanks ZAK