How to re-fit cam cover?

[mazgtr]

I bought a R32 GTR a few months ago, and the car came without the stock cam cover fitted. The car has aftermarket adjustable cam gears, so im guessing the previous owner wanted to be able to admire these, so removed the cover and tossed it in the bin. Id personally prefer to refit the cover and reduce the odds of dirt/grit/stones from damageing the belt/engine. Ive just today been able to buy a 2nd hand stock alloy cam cover for my RB26DETT, and was just hopeing anyone could give me any advise or pointers on fitting it. The reason i ask is that im not very mechanically minded, and it seems theres a plug and a metal looking bracket that might need removeing before i can fit it, i think these are part of the Crank Angle Sensor. But i just wanted to be 100% before i try and refit my cam cover. Any advise or help, however simple sounding would be appreciated.

Cheers.

Matt

[blind_elk]

That's the Crank Angle Sensor (CAS), and you need to separate it from its mounting frame.

Firstly, near one of the three bolts holding it in position, make a mark of sorts (paint is best) across the joint. (you will now be able to reassemble it and not upset the ignition timing).

Disconnect the electrical plug from the CAS. Undo the 3 bolts securing the CAS to its frame and carefully withdraw it.

Install the CAS / cam cover (hope you got the retaing bolts with it!).

Reinstall the CAS - CAUTION - there is a semi-circular mating "tongue" in the CAS and the camshaft, so make sure these are going to align correctly.

Rotate the CAS until the 2 paint marks align, then install the 3 bolts and tighten.

Have I left anything out, anyone??

Would be wise not the thrash the engine, but drive it reasonably sensibly to a mechanic who knows how to set the base timing, as a precautionary measure.

[grigor]

Yes.

There will be some sort of spacers under the CAS, fitted by the previous owner to maintain correct distance out.

These won't be required with the Nissan cover.

DON'T drop any down into the bottom cover when you undo the 3-setscrews.

Regards.

[mazgtr]

Thanks fellas, much appreciated...

I think ill leave it to the mechanic to fit, next time the cars in for something else.

Once again cheers.

[GTRgeoff]

And one final thing. Buy or borrow a timing light to ensure you get the timing correct. Sometimes the mark can be a little off. The mech should do this anyway but it can't hurt to "remind" him.

I prefer to use a short plug lead between the number 1 coil pack and plug.

I agree though, mine is the same with HKS gears but I'm polishing my front cover for some bling.