International Lancia Forums

Perhaps I expressed myself badly; I meant that the chain must be wrapped around the wheel and then one must attempt to lift a link or two from the wheel. A bit difficult to explain I suppose!

Paul

No, no, Paul. I understood you completely. I will try it next time. My suggestion was how to do a simple check as a matter of routine every time one lifts the rocker cover.

Paul, Huib, all points noted, thanks.

I'm going to order some shims for the distributor. While it's out I'll be able to check for bushing wear as well -- it is a 1300, Paul. I'll also take another look at the timing chain.

Peter

Good luck Peter; let us know how you get on.

P.

I've now re-shimmed the distributor ... no problem driving out the roll pin, by the way. Now virtually no end play. Bushing seems fine. Also cleaned and oiled the advance mechanism, and checked the points gap.

Result: the strange timing shift on warm-up has gone away, and with it the need to fully warm up the engine before it runs properly. I still see some difference between static timing and what the timing strobe says ... not sure why that would be.

I'm also not clear on why eliminating end play would fix the timing shift problem. But this morning, and yesterday morning, timing was spot-on, right from startup.

Thanks to all for your helpful comments.

Peter

Good job, Peter. Compliments.

Cleaning, lubricating, compressing the springs a bit and changing points and condensor always have a positive effect. Like you I am not sure what effect the shimming itself has. Most distributors do have play, some quite a bit.

Thanks, Huib. You keep late hours -- must be nearly midnight for you?? Sun is still shining here in Northern California!

Peter