Reliant Kitten Estate, Workshop Manual

Page: 111 / 138

Page
111
Figure 5 Timing marks
1. Timing pointer
2. TDC mark
3. 10° BTDC mark
Ignition timing
Incorrect ignition timing can cause rough running, poor idling, high
fuel consumption and poor performance. It is therefore important
that the timing should be correctly set. In order to facilitate the
timing, two marks are stamped on the crankshaft pulley indicating
TDC and 10° crankshaft rotation.
(Figure 5) The TDC mark aligned with
the pointer on the timing chain cover indicates that pistons 1 & 4 are
at top dead centre. All Kittens should be timed at 10° BTDC. Two
methods for obtaining correct ignition timing are described as
follows:-
Method 1 - static
1.
Rotate the crankshaft in a clockwise direction until the 10°
pulley mark is aligned with the pointer on the timing cover (Figure 5) .
2. Remove the distributor cap and connect a 12 volt bulb
between the low tension terminal and a good ground. With the
ignition switched on, the bulb will glow when the contact breaker
points are open.
3.
Slacken the distributor clamp bolt and rotate the distributor
clockwise as far as possible.
4. Switch on the ignition and apply light finger pressure to the
rotor arm. Turn the distributor body slowly back until the bulb lights.
5. Tighten the distributor clamp bolt.
6. Check the timing by rotating the engine two revolutions in a
clockwise direction, observing the relative position of the pointers,
until the bulb lights. The 10° mark should be aligned with the pointer
on the timing cover.
7.
Turn off the ignition, remove the test lamp and reassemble
all parts.
Method 2 - dynamic
1.
Connect the leads of a "strobe" timing light in accordance
with the makers instructions.
2. Check that the pointer on the timing cover and the notches
on the front pulley are visible. Mark the pointer and the 10° mark with
chalk, "Tippex" or similar.
3.
Disconnect the vacuum tube from the distributor and plug
the end of the tube with a suitable plug to stop air being drawn in.
4. Start the engine and allow to idle at normal tick over speed.
Aim the "strobe" light at the timing marks taking care not to contact
the spinning fan. Ensure that the 10° mark is aligned with the pointer.
If the mark is to the left of the pointer the ignition is too far advanced.
Slacken the distributor and turn slightly anti-clockwise to retard the
ignition until the marks align. If the mark is to the right of the pointer
then the ignition is too far retarded. Turn the distributor slightly
clockwise until the marks align. When the marks are correctly aligned,
securely tighten the distributor clamp and re-check the timing. Stop
the engine.
5. Disconnect the "strobe" light and refit the vacuum tube.
Starting system
The starting system comprises battery, ignition switch, solenoid and
starter motor
(Figure 6) .
If the starter fails to operate when the ignition is switched on then the
components in
Figure 6 should be systematically checked to diagnose
the fault. Examine the starter pinion which can become jammed in
mesh with the flywheel ring gear. It can be released by turning the
square end of the starter motor shaft in an anti-clockwise direction or
occasionally a sharp blow from a hammer on the casing.
Check the battery is in good condition and fully charged and that the
terminals are tight and free from corrosion. The condition and security
of earth braids is also important, particularly the braid between the
chassis frame and gearbox casing adjacent to the rear gearbox
mountings.
The starter solenoid could be faulty. When the ignition is switched on
and in the start position the solenoid should click and the starter
"bendix" gear engages with the flywheel ring gear which makes a
distinctive sound. If this is not apparent a faulty solenoid could be
indicated.
If the components of the starting system are found to be functioning
correctly this would indicate that the fault lies elsewhere in the
ignition or charging systems. Starter motor testing is detailed below
but for details of other starting system components see the
General
Electrics section page 121.
Starter motor
Description
The starter motor is a four-pole four-brush machine with inertia drive
and is secured on the right-hand side of the engine to the rear engine
plate and gearbox bell housing.
Operation 1 To remove starter motor (Figure 7)
1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Remove the oil filter.
3. Disconnect the starter motor supply cable and remove the
two nuts, bolts and lock washers securing the starter motor to the
engine.
4.
remove the starter motor from the vehicle.
Re-assemble in reverse order.