Mini Magazine - Summer 2018

TECH: CAMBELT CONVERSION
1
The kit could potentially be fitted to an
engine in situ, but it’s far less awkward away
from the car. Better still would be to
assemble as part of an engine rebuild. It’s
recommended to first check the fit of the
pulley on the crankshaft. Here’s the
crankshaft pulley checked for fitment.
2
If the pulley seems too tight, it’s easier to
rectify issues now than when assembled in
the aluminium casing. If the pulley is too
tight, remove the woodruff key and check
for burrs. Try to push the pulley back on and
you’ll soon tell if it’s a burr on the key or the
crankshaft tail itself. Ours went straight on.
3
Likewise, check the fitment of the camshaft vernier pulley on the end of the cam. We’re just
using an old cam for example here - use soft jaws in a vice with a new cam.
4
If there’s a problem with fitment on the
crankshaft or camshaft, you may either need
to polish the end of the shaft or gently
remove any burrs with a file.
5
Place a new timing plate gasket on the block.
The new belt drive conversion still requires
use of the standard timing plate below.
6
If you’d prefer to fit a new timing plate to match the new cam belt kit, MED also produces a
CNC-machined aluminium version.
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