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MG MGA - mga valves hit pistons?

I am currently cleaning up a 1600 twin cam engine which the right hand cam followers and the crankshaft has seized.
Could you tell me if the twin cam is an interference engine (pistons hit valves if not timed correctly) or is it okay to turn the crank but not the valves?
Thanks
John
j c rathbone

Yes indeed John,

You will notice in the front camshaft caps, there is a slot.
Basic timing for TDC is the slot cut into each cam matched the slot in the front bearing cap.
If and only if the engine had once run?

This is really a question for the yahoo twin cam group

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/mgatwincam/

Mark
Mark Hester

It is very much an interference engine - there isn't much more than .100" clearance between valve and piston at TDC when the timing is set right - get the wrong timing and things can go downhill real fast.

Pull the head off before trying to turn the engine. And it would be worthwhile getting the assistance or advice from a Twin Cam specialist if you do not have expertise in rebuilding DOHC engines as they are certainly a step beyond a normal pushrod rebuild.
Bill Spohn

This thread was discussed between 24/02/2013 and 27/02/2013

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.