ka timing chain?

[hookster]

does the ka have a timing chain, or am i mistaken? if it does then i presume it wont need replacing. its a 2001 plate on 40k. will the tensioner need replacing though?

also, it may be a stupid question, but do i need a special tool to get the rocker cover bolts off? from memory they wern't a conventional pattern.

[nighthawk]

Hi m8, YES the old ohv engine has a chain driven cam shaft, it's tensioned automatically so no need to worry about a replacement interval.

I'm unsure what you mean on the rocker cover though
the bolts should be conventional hexagon heads which a 10mm socket will fit on. could it be possible a previous owner has fitted different bolts?

[hookster]

thanks for the reply, it seems strange to me that ford make an engine all those years ago with a chain but still use belts on more modern engine.

i mean the bolts actually holding the rocker cover onto the block, need to remove it to check the valve clearances. the bolts are round, not quite allen key shaped more star shaped if that makes sense.

will try getting a pic up if you dont know what i mean

[nighthawk]

We've actually switched back to chain drive for a good deal of our petrol and diesel engines now

The bolts should have the hexagonal heads, so I suspect they've been replaced at some point, a pic would really help to determin which tool you'll need.sounds like they are Torx fastenings

>> Edited by nighthawk on Thursday 3rd November 21:29

[hookster]

hi there, well ive finally managed to get some pics of the bolts -



what are they?

whilst having a look i noticed that the oil weep from the gasket appears to be due to a bent rocker cover, it looks like its been dropped at some point, can i just bend the lip back downwhen its off the car or should i replace it? any ideas on the cost of a new cover?



thanks
andy

[nighthawk]

Yup they are replacement bolts by the looks of them.
A Torx T30 should sort them out.

The cover can be knocked back in shape, remove the cover and get something flat and hand underneath it, then knock the lip flat again.

A new cork gasket will help out with any slight uneveness.

[hookster]

thanks, another tool in the box now! replaced the gasket today. i still may re-new the cover at some point as the repair isnt perfect but its holding.

i was going to check the valve clearances, i read throught the haynes manual which seemed straight forward enough but when i came to doing it i couldnt even really see the crankshaft pulley let alone see the markings on it. any tips on how to check the clearances?

[nighthawk]

The valve clearences are quite easy and straight forward to adjust.

Park the car with the steered wheels on a full right hand lock, that'll let you reach under and rotate the crank pulley with a spanner.

there are no marks to look for on the crank, so don't fret about that.

The engine has it's own sequence of adjustment, the old rule of 9 will not do i'm afraid.

Turn the engine over until the valves of No1 cylinder are rocking, then adjust both valves of No4 cylinder and repeat on the others like so

Cylinder 1 rocking adjust cylinder 4
Cylinder 3 rocking adjust cylinder 2
Cylinder 4 rocking adjust cylinder 1
Cylinder 2 rocking adjust cylinder 3

The valve layout is on the sticker on the valve cover, as is the clearence for the inlet and exhaust valves.

Hope some of that helps you