Dumb question - am I missing the jackshaft spacer?

[groucho]

So after I sent my engine's bottom end in to a machine shop to get done over, they handed me back a pile of parts a couple months later and told me they were moving. I now am in the undesired position of putting everything back together myself. I am preparing an order of needed parts (rings, etc) and I noticed in the Twin Cam book that he shows a spacer separate from the jackshaft, and I see it on the parts diagram and available for purchase. I have no spacer in the pile of returned parts. I think the spacer is still attached to the jackshaft itself, and saw other threads where this was discussed, but I just want to make sure, so if I do need one, I'll order one.

In a related note, it looks like it's probably a good idea to replace the jackshaft bearings while I'm in there there, too? They look a little scored but my untrained ideas have no idea if that's an area of concern or not.

See attached photos for the jackshaft and bearings.

[Foxie]

Looks like the spacer is stuck onto the face of the jackshaft, verify by carefully tapping it off.

The bearing looks like some swarf or grit got into it. The working part of the bearing looks good, so personally I wouldn't bother renewing it. It's very lowly stressed, with no valves to lift

[john.p.clegg]

..and the grooves will help the oil flow around the bearing.

John

[2cams70]

That jackshaft definitely still has the spacer fitted. If it were me I'd replace all 3 jackshaft bearings.The cost is negligible in the whole scheme of things when the engine has been dismantled to the extent yours has. I always prefer to have the machine shop replace them because they have (or should have) the proper sized mandrels to install them without damage and in perfect alignment. They have to be installed after hot tank cleaning of the block and not before.

[groucho]

Thanks gentlemen. I figured it was on there but it's stuck on pretty well; I didn't want to bang on it too hard and risk damaging it and I couldn't find any clear photos showing what the jackshaft looks like with or without the spacer.

I would certainly prefer to not replace the bearings although I know I *should*, but at this point, I'd be doing all the reassembly work myself and 1) haven't done anything at this level before and 2) currently have no special tools, but recognize that I'll have to pick some up to complete the job. I did read that these bearings can be tricky to get in properly. I certainly have half a mind to drop the whole pile of parts off to a professional and have them do it all but I'd want a real twincam expert and I don't know that there are any anywhere near me. At this point, I'm getting desperate just to get the damn thing driving again!

Here's another view of the bearing, looking in the opposite direction from the other photo.

[tvacc]

Jeff,
You could take to the guys that took over the DH business. They are in the next town after Leroy. I forget the name but could look it up. If they are using the same employees then they certainly know twin cams having done 4 or 5 for me over the years.
I know your stuff was at DH when they closed.

Tony

[groucho]

Tony, I have no doubt that most any engine shop could get it back together, but if I were going to take it somewhere at this point, I'd want somewhere that really knows the Lotus twincam engine and how best to assemble and tune it. I know such places exist in the USA but I don't know that any are anywhere near here.

[tvacc]

Honestly, it is very simple to put back together. I always had those guys do the cam bearings in the block...the mains and rods and assemble the bottom end. Then I would have them do the head valves adjustments and all of that. They never screwed it up and were very reasonable. I think it is called Caladonia machine.

I then put the rest together. It is a very simple motor. I would be happy to help you if you want.

Tony

[Chancer]

I am glad that someone spoke of 3 bearings and the OP responded in the affirmative because the photo looks like the shaft has been cut off behind the front bearing

Setting aside how the engine would pump fuel, o?l and throw its sparks around it would explain the bearing damage

[groucho]

That might not be a terrible idea especially if I'm already supplying all the parts. Of course, it also needs the new Burton front cover put on, new dipstick tube fitted, etc. Maybe I'll consider that. I don't mind handing off work to the pros, I'm more than enough mechanical with ahead with putting it back in the car, building the new wiring hardness, finishing the interior, etc. At the rate I'm going, it'll never be done! I'm also figuring on opening up the transmission and putting in new synchos since it often grinds going into second gear... yet more work. It's so hard not to order up a Spyder chassis too but it'll really never get done then!

Chancer - the red towel is covering the rest of the shaft; it's all there I promise, I just poked its nose out of its bed to take its picture.

[tvacc]

I tore apart and put your motor back together back in 1972. And it was the first one I did and knew absolutely nothing. And had virtually no help other than from a guy that would become my brother in law years later. That is how I met my wife. You guys can read the full story (one of my best I must say) on the home page of www.lotusowners.com

It is right where is says...."this is my story"

If I could do it at the young age of 21, without the internet, so can you.

Tony V

[Chancer]

A lovely story Tony and very well written.

[groucho]

Tony, I'm sure I *can* but I don't really *want* to - combine that lack of motivation with the extreme lack of time due to parenting and modern life and the pace is going to be extremely slow. Things like replacing jackshaft bearings are a little scary, even though there's no magic to it, to say nothing of getting it running. I do like the idea of dropping everything off at a decent shop and have them not only do the assembly but tune the carbs, etc, and at this point, my time is worth more than throwing some money at it. The car hasn't really run properly almost the entire time I've owned it and this would be a good chance to get the engine sorted once and for all.

[tvacc]

I understand, but the expensive part is the tuning. To put the cam bearings in, crank back in, with the correct clearances and put the pistons in etc...etc....that is cheap and really simple with the right tools. Same with the head...valves...etc...that is cheap really. I would have the guys at Caladonia machine do that.
To do the valve clearances is easy too, but time consuming. But I always had DH do that as well. Last time I had DH do that it was like $1100 for both the block and head work.

Rest of it is tougher and more expensive...putting the motor back in and tuning it. I really don't know anyone to do that. There must be someone in Rochester.
Like I said, I would be happy to help you if I can get away from the computer store, but that is also tough for me as well.
I wish we lived closer. Would make it a lot easier.

Tony

[groucho]

Well, I was visualizing tuning being done with the engine on a stand, then I would drop in the tuned engine and have minimal work. The head should be OK at the moment (hopefully, DH did it just a few years ago) so that should just bolt on, although foolishly and without thinking, I unbolted the cam carriers when taking things apart - I don't know why! They should be able to just go back on as is I think though.

I dunno. I'm at the point where I either need to buy or borrow some specific tools to accomplish a task which I'll likely never do again in my life and I don't really trust myself to do well, or drop the pile of parts off and at a minimum, get the bottom end assembled, and maybe the top too. If it's not crazy expensive, it'd be nice to get it balanced, too.

The vendor I'm talking to currently also recommends getting the bores checked for taper and ovality if I'll be keeping the car a long time - maybe worthwhile, maybe not, but with everything disassembled, now's the time.