Hitchcocks Forum

Can anybody tell me what the crank washer on the timing side of the motor is actually for. Is it just meant as a seal to prevent excessive timing case oil going back through the bearing to the sump or is it crank distance piece. The one I have here has had the crank wear it out to such an extent that it now slips over the crank. I have only realised this now that the new washer has arrived from Mr H

Hi Norm

It is just what you call it, a washer, neither a seal or a distance piece.

Thanks Dennis,
I'll push on again, I'd still like to know it's purpose, just for the sake of knowing

Norm, are we talking about the same item here?, is it the washer behind the nut on the crank end?, if so then it serves the same purpose as any washer fitted behind a nut. if not which item do you mean?. cheers Dennis.

Dennis,
This washer sits between the bearing on the timing side and the case

Hi again, sorry I am being a bit slow this morning, this is in there as a thrust washer and stops any sideways pressure on the bearing it also locates the shaft also in conjunction with the distance piece on the opposite end of the shaft it prevents excessive end float.

I need an edit facility, to many also's in there.

As Dennis says, it's essentially a crankshaft end float stop, a thrust washer if you like. The principle is carried through onto the later engines and improved by becoming rubber (Neoprene) backed which gives it the function of (partly) sealing off the timing chest.
REgards, Mark

Thanks Dennis and Mark,
The new shim is .75mm thick the original was i.65mm. I cut the shim in half, slipped the 2 halves into place, held them back against the end of th crank and filled the gap around the front with JB Weld so this should stop any end float. I had it running yesterday with the shim out and it seemes to be ok. I'll give it another run today and hopefully all will be ok. Now still waiting on the alternator from Iron Horse and all should be good. Fingers crossed