Camshaft support bracket

[Chris Ob1]

IMG_2047.jpg Hi, I seem to have the classic tappet noise from the l/h bank of the engine. Checked cam clearances and they’re fine (2 exhausts 1 thou loose and 1 inlet 1 thou tight) so don’t think they’re the cause. Tappet buckets turn freely but thought I’d take the camshaft off to see if any are worn / oval. Looking at the support bracket, the hole to support the sprocket seems a little low - about 7 or 8 mm below the centre of the sprocket centre (pictures attached). Is this correct - don’t want issues with the chain tensioner if it’s going let the chain go loose?

Your thoughts appreciated.

Chris IMG_2048.jpg

[NeilR]

No, it’s not correct. Looks like someone has probably done the timing chains & guides and neglected to put that bracket back on in the correct position.
i wouldn’t undo the camshaft bolts without correcting that 1st, timing cover would need to come of to sort it as I don’t recall that being accessible from the top.

[Chris Ob1]

Thanks Neil

[flying farmer]

I got around this problem once by hooking a piece of wire through the timing chain low down on both sides of the sprocket and literally hung a house brick off a piece of string attached to the wire hook on both sides.
Definitely not something you will see in any repair manual, but it kept the chain tension while I removed the cam sprocket and saved me having to do any further engine stripping.

[Goldstar]

Not ideal by any stretch of the imagination but is it too far out to file the hole oval to get it to fit?