Spanner size??

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
2

I’ve just got a Mk2 which I’m replacing the water pump (only after shearing the bolts off on the water inlet manifold)!!

I have seen that people use 2x spanners clamped together to lock the Cam’s in place, I was wondering what size spanners they used as I plan to fabricate a tool :slight_smile:

Thanks

 … Just so you know I’m at work and not at home with the car or I would be able to measure it :slight_smile:

 

 

 

 

3

Hi Michael

I see sizes quoted from 23mm to 1"(25.4mm) and on my MK1 I think 24mm was the size.

Don’t worry about using sized spanners, just use a pair of adjustable spanners. That is how most do it and there is enough room to be able to use these effectively. 

 

4

Thanks rhino666,

I plan to recondition parts off the engine as I go. The car is on the drive and I didn’t fancy leaving the bonnet up for a week with tools sticking up. I planned to make a tool that can fit with the bonnet down.

Thanks

Mike

5

There is /was a tool available on ebay a few weeks ago espescialy made to do the job around 15/17 quid

6

Rather than faff about with spanners, use one of these,

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/camshaft-locking-tool-mk1-25-p-3348.html

7

 

Not much good if your changing the water pump as the pulleys need to be removed. Im sure mine was 23mm, def i size i did not have so a pair of adjustables did the job.

8

They are a cast hex rather than a machined one so not that accurate size wise. They are 23-24mm.

9

I did the cam and waterpump on out 1991 Eunos a little over a year ago.

In my opinion the only time it is helpful to have the cams held in place is when fitting/refitting the cam belt.

The cam pulleys are very clearly marked inlet and exhaust, have clear lineup markings and can only be fitted back on the cam shafts in one position.

There is a small amount of sprung pressure on the cams but nothing to cause concern.

I did this job over a few days and like you did some tidying up and a few repairs - the cams were left to their own devices until I fitted the new belt and then locked them with adjustable spanners.

I was also happy to use the car in gear with assistant standing on brake method to undo main crank bolt. The alternative is a tool to lock the crank.

Again, from my experience with an old car, neither of these parts of the job which are continually debated about caused any issue