3200 setting/adjusting the timing chain

[scrappyloz]

Im currently doing the top end of a 3200 for a friend after a tensioner failure on the cambelt. Its not really a difficult job and i will be doing it around other work over the next few weeks.

The only thing i know i will be struggling with will be the setting of the camshaft and timing chains.

Does anyone have a walkthrough on this?

Cheers

 

[safrane]

Think you will need the workshop book.

Are you replacing the chain at the same time?

 

[scrappyloz]

Think you will need the workshop book.

Are you replacing the chain at the same time?

Hi the customer has decided not to change the chains.
I will be replacing the guides.
I have advised him to do them but he has decided against it (i presume cost as hes so deep into it already)

I have the workshop book but its really not the best at explaining it. Im guessing i will have to buy the tools (with the DI guages)

 

[davy83]

The workshop manual uses the timing marks on the CAM pulleys to set up the relative timing when putting the CAM belt back on. There is some references to the precise timing in there. There is an electronic copy of the manual going about see if you can get a copy of that some how. I have tried to put the relevant pages on the cloud try this link

Microsoft OneDrive

1drv.ms

 

[philw696]

I thought the chains were unavailable now but stand to be corrected.
The only proper way to get the best performance is with the dial gauges.

 

[scrappyloz]

The workshop manual uses the timing marks on the CAM pulleys to set up the relative timing when putting the CAM belt back on. There is some references to the precise timing in there. There is an electronic copy of the manual going about see if you can get a copy of that some how. I have tried to put the relevant pages on the cloud try this link

Microsoft OneDrive

1drv.ms

I was under the assumption that both chain sprockets can move freely on the cams (floating) therefore there are no timing marks on the sprockets as they would never be in the correct position.

Or the Mg marks give you at least a starting point as they cant be too far out from there?

Thanks

 

[davy83]

I also think the timing chains are not available anymore.
I have never had the sprockets off, but i think they are indexed and only fit in one position, otherwise why put marks on them?

 

[Lozzer]

The sprockets aren't indexed and there are no marks on them or are you thinking of the fronts?

I also think the timing chains are not available anymore.
I have never had the sprockets off, but i think they are indexed and only fit in one position, otherwise why put marks on them?

The sprockets aren't indexed and there are no marks on them or are you thinking of the fronts? I've made enquiries re the chains.

 

[allandwf]

I would have thought much the same as an Alfa then. Lock the cams, and just fit the sprockets to suit. That's what I did with mine.

 

[alfatwo]

The sprockets aren't indexed and there are no marks on them or are you thinking of the fronts?

The sprockets aren't indexed and there are no marks on them or are you thinking of the fronts? I've made enquiries re the chains.

To do the job properly you need the dial gauges... if you just replace the timing belt as it came off the valve timing will inevitably by incorrect.

Don't get me wrong it'll will run fine, but not perfect

On the later cars the factory always seemed to retard the exhaust cam timing, most likely scenario was to keep the HP down!

Dave

 

[babel 101]

To do the job properly you need the dial gauges... if you just replace the timing belt as it came off the valve timing will inevitably by incorrect.

Don't get me wrong it'll will run fine, but not perfect

On the later cars the factory always seemed to retard the exhaust cam timing, most likely scenario was to keep the HP down!

Dave

Hi Dave

What is the "HP down"?

 

[safrane]

Hi Dave

What is the "HP down"?

It is a belief that Maserati retarded the performance of the 3200 in order to stop it eclipsing that of Ferrari... ie keep the Horse Power down (HP).

No aware of any real evidence but we all like a good urban legend.

 

[davy83]

It is a belief that Maserati retarded the performance of the 3200 in order to stop it eclipsing that of Ferrari... ie keep the Horse Power down (HP).

No aware of any real evidence but we all like a good urban legend.

There are a few rolling road reports on here somewhere which suggests this might be more than a myth, with apparently stock cars hitting 410-415 HP but with the valve timing set correctly.

 

[davy83]

Been to the rolling road... | SportsMaserati.co.uk

 

[CatmanV2]

There are a few rolling road reports on here somewhere which suggests this might be more than a myth, with apparently stock cars hitting 410-415 HP but with the valve timing set correctly.

Yeah, but as a method of reducing HP screwing with the valve timing (especially with timing as complex as this) is just mad, IMHO. Far simpler to mess with the ECU.

C

 

[alfatwo]

Yeah, but as a method of reducing HP screwing with the valve timing (especially with timing as complex as this) is just mad, IMHO. Far simpler to mess with the ECU.

C

Don't forget this was over 20 years ago, messing with the engine ECU's only changed the fueling and Ignition timing back then
There were reports at the time of 3200GT's running well over 400 HP or even more

Lovely old cars, I just love em!

Dave

 

[CatmanV2]

Don't forget this was over 20 years ago, messing with the engine ECU's only changed the fueling and Ignition timing back then
There were reports at the time of 3200GT's running well over 400 HP or even more

Lovely old cars, I just love em!

Dave

Absolutley not arguing about the 400hp!

C

 

[alfatwo]

Apparently It was well over that!

 

[safrane]

not trying to 'dis' the argument but (and forgive my limited knowledge) would doing this just cause the engine to run poorly, too hot, too thirsty?... just reducing boost pressure would have surficed to keep the bhp down.

 

[davy83]

not trying to 'dis' the argument but (and forgive my limited knowledge) would doing this just cause the engine to run poorly, too hot, too thirsty?... just reducing boost pressure would have surficed to keep the bhp down.

Yes it does seem a little illogical, however they are Italian. Maybe they wanted it to be some thing that only careful and dedicated owners would ever benefit from? Or maybe its just ********