318 n43 timing/head removal problems

[Stychlee]

I'm doing the head gasket on my son's 318 n43 which has the threaded part of the spark plug inside the cylinder and I can't turn the engine to tdc to fit the locking tool so can I remove the head and leave the chain and guide in place or do I have to remove the crankshaft pulley and remove the chain.i already have the chain off the cams and the vanos removed.if the chain has to come out how can I lock the crank to remove the bolt and lastly I know the crank locking pin goes below the starter motor somewhere but I can't see where.do I remove the Bell housing bolt to access it? Any help would be great guys

[helix402]

Chain doesn’t need removing. Take pulleys off the cams. Cam locking pin hole is covered by a push fit plastic cap, down below the inlet manifold. However you said you can’t turn the engine so you won’t be able to get it in.
Afraid even if you fix it the N43 is a horrible engine.

[Stychlee]

Thanks for your reply, and yes it is horrendous to work on.thank so much again

[Stychlee]

Was asking about the crank locking pin to set the timing once the bit of plug is removed.🤞