I'm about to replace the head on my '71' 240. Can someone tell me if it can be done without having to remove the time timing cover and dropping the oil pan? I've tried this twice before and I've never been able to keep the chain on the crankshaft sprocket as the manual say you can.

Thanks,

JoeT

Yes, you can remove the head without removing the timing chain cover. It's absolutely critical to wedge something in the chain guide to prevent the timing chain tensioner from coming out and putting too much tension on the chain. If it pops out you won't be able to get the chain back over the camshaft sprocket. I learned this the hard way. Every service manual I've seen has proper instructions on this procedure and some even have instructions on how to make your own wedge out of wood.

You can buy a timing chain wedge from Motorsport Auto.

Chris

or use a screwdriver..... ztherapy video 0wnz j00...... haha, just kiddin.

I use heater hose.

How many other methods are there?

MOM

I've used a wire until I could find an old piece of wood.

I've used a wire until I could find an old piece of wood.

Have you reinstalled it all yet? What kind of wire? Must be really large diameter, I'm thinking. It doesn't take much slippage of the tensioner shoe (outward) to prevent assembly.

MSA's wedge isn't all that great IMO, but I haven't found a better one currently on the market. I used a template in the "How to Rebuild" book and made one out of hardwood.

I wish I hadn't let my original store bought one go when I sold my previous 240Z (bought it in the 70's), it was much better than what MSA sells.

I've see these items on eBay in the past, they had a pink handle I believe. Is this what MSA sells?

I've see these items on eBay in the past, they had a pink handle I believe. Is this what MSA sells?

The one I got from MSA was made of a cheap Pink Plastic. The "handle" (if you can call it that) was a rinky dink loop of monofiliment (fishing line). They sell it for $12, it's worth about $5. The tool they sell DOES NOT look anything like the illustration in their catalog or website (see link below).

The illustration is of the kind of tool I used to have. Made of dense plastic with a stranded WIRE loop for a handle. Durable, strong, and a much better fit to where it needs to go to keep the tensioner positioned properly,

http://www.zcarparts.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=60-9921

No, the head is off the block and I still need some other parts to reinstall the cam. The wire is small enough to run through the chain, wrap around the chain guide and tied through one of the holes in the guide. I think I might have a pic of it.

If the head is off the block and you haven't wedged it, then you are to late...

THe only way forward is to remove the front timing cover etc.

Yeah, I guess putting the wedge in after the head has been off is pointless. But, I am not using this block. It is an L26 and #6, #4, and #3 pistons are shot to hell. The guy had his timing all jacked up so the pistons smacked the head. The head (E88) has been restored. I want to keep the head and put it on the L28 block. If someone is interested in another L26 block, by all means, contact me. I'd like to give it a good home. It will just end up in a junk yard if no one wants it.