Cams backwards?

[msbweiland]

Is it possible to install camshafts in the 2.oT backwards? I've had my motor machined locally and just got it put together and installed. No compression while cranking. Only thing I can think of is my son played with the cams and may have swapped them. No notch in the Exaust cam end where the rubber plug goes. Won't the valves hit if the cams are in backwards?
I would think so, the motor turned over fine on the stand when I put it together. I'll pull the timing covers off and check it tomorrow.
What is it I read about the crank pully being able to go on in more than one direction? How is that possible, will that cause a low compression issue without having any valve interference?

 

[68442]

If theres no notch on the where the exhaust cam is, it is the exhaust cam and its correct. The crank pulley/balancer has a dowel on it so it should only go on one way.

I would see where your timing marks are when you remove your covers.

 

[msbweiland]

Is the cam with the notch the intake or exaust? The one with the notch is on the Intake. Smooth end one is on the exaust. Is that right?

 

[The_EE]

The one with the notch is on the Intake. Smooth end one is on the exaust. Is that right?

Correct.

 

[msbweiland]

Is it possible to get the crank pully for the timing belt on wrong?

 

[bling5tatus]

The timing marks will only line up one way with the right sprocket on the right cam.

 

[1AWD90]

No I believe that has a dowel pin it also. Well atleast I think it does... Hmm can't rember and I just did one. So correct me if im wrong guys. Did you offset your rings when you installed them. So the compresson are 180 from each other and same with the oil?

 

[msbweiland]

Yes, rings are offset. I am just about sure it's a timing issue, there is almost no compression if you crank it over without any plugs. I'll do a leakdown test tonight and see what is wrong. Probbably something simple.

 

[AlaskanDsm]

Yes, rings are offset. I am just about sure it's a timing issue, there is almost no compression if you crank it over without any plugs. I'll do a leakdown test tonight and see what is wrong. Probbably something simple.

If you are turning it over and you don't have any plugs in the engine... Then there won't be any compression in your cylinders. All the compression is flying right out of those spark plug holes!

 

[msbweiland]

Thanks for the tip, I meant cranking with a compression tester.

 

[AlaskanDsm]

ah haha. Ok I was just using what you had said. If you said you were using one and I missed it, I'm sorry haha. I just saw that you had saw without plugs in it and I kinda was like uhhhh... that could be why. But if your using the compression checker... makes sense. But have you checked all of your timing marks as well as checked to make sure that you timing belt hasn't jumped a tooth?

 

[1AWD90]

Also have you had someone crank it so you can watch to make sure that the cams are turning. I know sounds dumb but you never know with these cars.

 

[msbweiland]

Checked leakage, good. I pulled the cams off and checked the compression. If I tap on a valve while cranking (without the cams) it gets up to 120#. Not bad for a bran new engine that's never been run.
From what I can tell it's the lifters not getting primed. I didn't use the drill method for priming, I just cranked it over without any fuel/spark. How long will it take to get these primed? Will the lifters being collapsed cause it not to start? I'll prime the system and re-check it tonight but that's where I'm at now. I'm just glad that the whole motor won't have to come out now.

 

[msbweiland]

I found the problem. I had the exaust cam 180 off. Apparently I didn't look hard enough on the cam pully for the 2nd timing mark. Someone had already marked the opposite side and I was trying to use that for my timing. Runs like a champ now.