XUD Valve Shims

[CitroJim]

Think I'd rather tackle it now, especially as summer's here!

I agree, it many be next winter that starting problems arising from tight clearances and the odd XUD quirk of having tightest clearances when stone-cold come and bite you.

[smoker]

I was thinking, rather than disturbing the whole timing belt end, I could zip tie the belt to the cam sprocket, unbolt the cam sprocket while keeping it tensioned then suspend it for example from the underside of the bonnet using a bunjee chord or similar. Is this a recognised process, or just mad corner cutting?

Separately I'll try to contact a few cylinder head reconditioners to see if they have shims on a sale or return basis.

[spider]

I'd not bother with that as its so so easy to tension the XUD with its auto tensioner (assuming its not seized but there's ways around it) as you'll have to unbolt the tensioner to get the head off anyway.

[Oldpug]

No !!Just reading that makes me shudder......... One false move and you will have bent valves,a camshaft in four pieces and cracked head caps when you try to start it.
Its a proper job or nothing.If you don't its going to defeat the object of adjusting the clearances in the first place??

[CitroJim]

I was thinking, rather than disturbing the whole timing belt end, I could zip tie the belt to the cam sprocket, unbolt the cam sprocket while keeping it tensioned then suspend it for example from the underside of the bonnet using a bunjee chord or similar. Is this a recognised process, or just mad corner cutting?

Oh gosh no As OldPug says, do it properly. It's an accident waiting to happen...

[Northern_Mike]

I was thinking, rather than disturbing the whole timing belt end, I could zip tie the belt to the cam sprocket, unbolt the cam sprocket while keeping it tensioned then suspend it for example from the underside of the bonnet using a bunjee chord or similar. Is this a recognised process, or just mad corner cutting?

Yes! Do it! Please post pictures of the results!

I once changed a timing belt by cutting it in half along its length with a stanley knife, sliding half of it off, sliding the new one half on, and cutting the remainder of the old one off. Wriggled the new one fully onto the sprockets, job done.

That was on a Ford Pinto.

Seriously, You're dealing with something with the potential for engine ruining damage if you get it wrong. Don't risk it..

[Oldpug]

Consider yourself well and truly chastised smoker.

[smoker]

Hangs head in shame.

[CitroJim]

I once changed a timing belt by cutting it in half along its length with a stanley knife, sliding half of it off, sliding the new one half on, and cutting the remainder of the old one off. Wriggled the new one fully onto the sprockets, job done..

You old bodger

I have heard of that being done on an XUD and another variation doing it with the engine running to make slicing the belt easier

Thing is if it goes wrong on a boat anchor (sorry, Pinto) it's a non-interference engine so it just stops. On an XUD it's to all intents and purposes bye bye head..

Hangs head in shame.

No need, you asked a fair question and suggested a method and we just pointed out that it could all end in tears... No shame there and exactly what a forum is for