Simon_CSK Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 I have a problem with the timing on my P38 and have put a post on previously. I am looking at the flywheel and have noticed a couple of things relating to it. Is it possible to install it incorrectly i.e. it has 4 fixing bolts symmetrically placed so therefore it could be fixed 4 different ways. If it is fixed incorrectly does it mean engine/ gearbox out and start again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 There should be a dowel in the crank that means the flywheel can only go on one way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon_CSK Posted February 2, 2017 Author Share Posted February 2, 2017 43 minutes ago, FridgeFreezer said: There should be a dowel in the crank that means the flywheel can only go on one way. Didn't notice a dowel and put it on and off a couple of times. In theory it can be out 1/4 or 1/2 turn therefore if I put the plus leads in in three other positions in theory it should fire? Otherwise back to square one and engine out to check the flywheel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbekko Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 There's definitely a dowel on the end of the crank. And it isn't removable, except with a grinder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 I've had them pull out with mole grips with relatively low effort, although the last one put up more of a fight than that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon_CSK Posted February 2, 2017 Author Share Posted February 2, 2017 2 hours ago, FridgeFreezer said: I've had them pull out with mole grips with relatively low effort, although the last one put up more of a fight than that. Certainly the old block had the dowel but I don't remember the one on the new block. That doesn't mean it isn't there it just means that I have an awful memory. I think first job at the weekend will be to check the right leads are going to the right plugs. I can then take it from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garrycol Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 The dowl is not in the block but the crankshaft flange that the flex plate (I assume it is an auto in a P38) bolts too. If a manual and flywheel then the same applies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco-Ron Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 No dowel on mine..... just 6 bolts tgat hold the flex plate adaptor. ... those bolts are spaced such that they only fit one way.... however the four from that spacer to flex plate could be put on wrong.... again. No dowel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Dowel at 10-o-clock on the crank: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 4 hole flex plate with timing teeth: http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/262230777774?_mwBanner=1 The dowel works for the spacer on an auto setup only, I think. Looks possible to go on wrong way, but as you say, you could probably change the plug lead order and be fine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon_CSK Posted February 3, 2017 Author Share Posted February 3, 2017 The car is a Thor P38 Auto. The old block definitely had a dowel because I can see it as it is still in my driveway. The drive plate therefore has the dowel hole. I cannot remember seeing the dowel when I refitted the drive plate but I have such an awful memory then it could be there or it could be missing. The first thing I heed to establish is that the plug leads are fitted correctly. If that is the case or there is still a problem after it is corrected I think the only thing I can do is drop the gearbox. It will give me the excuse to change the transfer box anyway because the viscous coupling, if not completely seized is not far away. I think the gearbox will be easier than the engine. Certainly less bolts and once separated from the transfer box it a little easier. Here we go again!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon_CSK Posted February 7, 2017 Author Share Posted February 7, 2017 On 03/02/2017 at 11:18 AM, Bowie69 said: 4 hole flex plate with timing teeth: http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/262230777774?_mwBanner=1 The dowel works for the spacer on an auto setup only, I think. Looks possible to go on wrong way, but as you say, you could probably change the plug lead order and be fine? Bowie If I move the plug leads to try it rather than stripping the whole thing back again is it a case of moving the leads around. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 so if I move 1 to position 4 then 8 goes to 3 4 goes to 6 etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 Essentially, yes, that is the theory As you've sussed, move a quarter each time, until it runs properly, as there are 4 different positions it may run at. Got nothing to lose, everything to gain, I guess 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbekko Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 Yes, changing plug lead order works. Just make a really good diagram, because it screws with the mind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 Just now, elbekko said: Yes, changing plug lead order works. Just make a really good diagram, because it screws with the mind Absolutely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 Small brightly coloured cable ties are good - 1 tie on number 1, two on number 2, etc. etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon_CSK Posted February 7, 2017 Author Share Posted February 7, 2017 4 hours ago, elbekko said: Yes, changing plug lead order works. Just make a really good diagram, because it screws with the mind Just looking at it on paper was screwing with my mind. Intend to sit down and have the 4 permutations written down with a diagram so I am moving cables in sync. The worst part is you cannot easily see the coil pack so everything that end is done by touch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon_CSK Posted February 7, 2017 Author Share Posted February 7, 2017 4 hours ago, Bowie69 said: Got nothing to lose, everything to gain, I guess That is what I was thinking. It saves taking the engine out on a whim when I don't know for sure that it the issue. Anyway snowing here so we will not be doing that job today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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