Camshaft plugs - necessary?

[ysmalkie]

I am finally almost done assembling my head and am wondering if the plugs at the front of the camshaft should be installed.

The original ones do not have them, however the ones from Kent Cams do:

Kent Cams:



Original:



Tadek

[abowie]

I've not seen plugs on the front of the cams. If Kent provide them though, I see no problem with fitting them as they can't fall out of they get loose.

I would however use the correct original bolts to fit the cam sprockets. They are a bolt with an unthreaded shoulder and so positively locate the sprocket. They are also drilled for lockwire.

[ysmalkie]

Thanks Andrew,

The bolts are there just to turn the cam..

So, if the plug is not there, how was the system pressurized? Is the sprocket adjusting plate blocking the oil ??

Tadek

[abowie]

I assume that the sprocket plate is tight enough, but I don't really know for sure. The other ends are plugged with either a bolt or the drive for the tacho generator.

I have 2 pairs of original S1 cams at home; they are not threaded. I don't have any later cams.

Here's a picture of two S1 car heads I did a while back; no plugs in cams.



I also have a pair of new billet cams, they are threaded and provided with a plug.



Hope this helps.

[ysmalkie]

What I wonder about is weather this possible leak through the adjuster plate is not a way to lubricate the timing chain setup..


Tadek

[PeterCrespin]

What I wonder about is weather this possible leak through the adjuster plate is not a way to lubricate the timing chain setup..
Tadek

Turn the question around Tadek.

Ask yourself what would happen if for some reason it was essential to keep oil from every single part of the chain, inside and out. Do you think it would be possible to keep the cam drive in an XK engine dry?

It is absolutely impossible to keep oil from reaching inside every single link. Which means you don’t have to wonder any more. Dzien dobre!

[ysmalkie]

Got it - I guess, I am just trying to be careful, doing it the 1st time...

Dobranoc :-)