PRODUCT FITTING INSTRUCTIONS  

 CAM TIMING RE286i  

CAM TIMING RE286i 

CAM TIMING & VALVE LASH 
 
Cam type : RE286I 
LCA : 106 deg 
Time cam in at : Split overlap on no.1 cylinder valves 
or - 106 deg ATDC at no.1 inlet valve 
or - 103 to 104 ATDC at no.1 inlet push rod 
 
Valve Lash (Clearance): 0.020” irrespective of rocker ratio 
Re-set to these values once engine is HOT. 
 
The above is an initial starting guide for the cam timing. However, I have generally found that most A-series engines run best with a couple of degrees advanced timing – so 102.5 degrees ATDC at the valve or 99.5 to 100 degrees ATDC at no.1 push rod. These figures are not cast in stone though – several engines have shown a preference for retarded cam timing. The only way to find the optimum setting is on a dyno. 
 
It is always preferable to time the cam in on 'split over-lap' as this negates minor manufacturing discrepancies and generally gives the best performance envelope. For further information on camshaft timing and methods on how to do it with or without certain 'professional' equipment please see the information on my web site in Calver's Corner, Camshafts, at - 
 
https://www.calverst.com/CC110F.htm 
 
Research and experience indicates that most cams that wear out prematurely start to fail during the first few minutes of operation. Many cams are irreparably damaged, even before the engine is started, because the basic rules of camshaft installation and break-in have not been followed. 
 
The cause of premature cam and follower failure is metal to metal contact between these two components. Should this contact occur due to lack of proper lubrication or excessively high pressure due to valve train interference shearing the oil film, then 'galling' will take place. When this happens metal is transferred from the follower to the cam or/and vice versa in a process comparable to micro-welding. Microscopic high spots, present on all machined parts, become severely over-heated due to friction and pressure so bond together, tearing sections loose from follower or lobe. These pieces of metal remain attached and create further over-heating during the following rotations of the camshaft. Ultimately leading to failure of the affected components. 
 
VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE: 
It is absolutely essential that the oil pump fit is checked prior to final assembly. Various non-genuine oil pumps on the market have been found to have a longer drive spindle that can bottom out on the drive slot in the end of the cam. The consequence is locking up of the camshaft so it does not freely rotate. The result of not checking the fit/cam end float could be very rapid wear of the oil pump and all the disastrous damage that can cause. Fit the cam in to the block, fit the engine front plate with gasket and cam retaining plate, then fit the oil pump with it's gasket. Check the cam rotates freely and there is a noticeable end float by puling/pushing on the cam drive end. 
 
Note: Use cam lube supplied smeared on LOBES only. Lightly oil cam follower walls with ordinary engine oil only when fitting in to block. The followers must be able to spin immediately at start up. It is imperative that new cam followers are used. It is also absolutely essential that a suitable engine oil is used. Many modern oils do not have sufficient protective phosphates in them for old style push-rod engines. Make sure the oil you are going to use is suitable for this type of engine. I use and recommend Torco Oils. Castrol R40 vegetable based oil is still very good but must never be mixed with mineral based oils, including the cam lube supplied with this cam. Otherwise a good quality (mineral semi or fully synthetic) can be used providing a quality additive package is mixed in to it. I recommend Torco ZEP or ZDDPlus.