Ford XFlow flywheel bolts

[fishfoolbear]

Hi,

I am still trying to figure out what cam is in the engine (1600er X-Flow with 4 speed gearbox) and now have the engine out. Only problem is I can't remove the flywheel as I don't know what tool I need.

The bolts look like some type of 12 pointed star, see picture.

My Question is what do I need to remove the bolts? I did a search and found only that a "standard socket" will do it, but I tried 9/16 and 1/2 and 11/16 and they are all too big or too small. Are they metric?

And does anyone have any good tips on how to make the flywheel not move? It makes it rather difficult to put force on the nuts.

And do I need to replace them, I mean are they stretch nuts which should always be replaced or can I re-use them (they do revolve rather quickly when the engine is running....)

Cheers,

The Fishfoolbear

PS: I put this in Newbies as I was ashamed to put it in Techie Talk  

[Sir Greg]

Hi there...... if you're planning to do cam work there shouldn't be any reason to remove the flywheel

[Arm]

Have you tried a metric socket ?

Around 15mm.

Look like ARP flywheel bolts.

[John Loudon - Sponsorship Liaison]

You will need a bi-hex socket

[blitz]

Metric socket will do it. G cramp on the F/W catch it under the ear on the block that has the gearbox dowel in it. DO NOT clamp the flwheel to the block.

[fishfoolbear]

Nice one boys, bi-hex is the one     , just ordered on good old ebay.

Sir Greg, it's a crossflow so the cam is in the block.

Any ideas on whether to replace? If neccesary then I will, if not then I wanted to do a 90 thou overbore next winter and would just postpone to then.

Cheers

The Fishfoolbear

[greenandmean]

Burton power recommend changing them, but they would cos they sell the replacements, but at £25-95inc.vat  for the kit is it worth risking.

[a4gom]

are you replacing the cam or just trying to find out what it is? pretty sure you can see the cam from the other end of the engine if you take the cover off and there's usually a code on it.

but i could be talking b8ll8cks

[stu999]

Doesnt the cam come out through the front of the block (timing chain end)?

[Sir Greg]

That was why I was wondering why the flywheel had to come off.

It's a million years since I worked on a crossflow but I was sure it could be removed from the timing chain end?

[fishfoolbear]

Ah, I see what you mean! The Wallage book says the thrust plate also retains the camshaft. I assumed also meant as well as something hidden behind the flywheel/rear cover, but now you mention it it looks as though the camshaft just butts up against the rear and can be removed from the front.

I'll give that a whirl and leave the flywheel where it is.

Just goes to show what happens when your knowledge of engines is based on a solid dose of ignorance with a dash of stupidity! But I'm having great fun learning.  

Thanks for the replies, will post again when I have the cam out.

PS: There is no marking at the front, which is why I want to take it out and see the back.

Cheers

The Fishfoolbear

[fishfoolbear]

Hi, just removed the cam as you suggested. It comes out when the thrust plate thing is removed and the cam follwers are all at in the upper position. (ie the engine is on its head and the pushrods are out/loose.

I have entered the question as to what a HR 270 cam is in Techie Talk:

http://boardroom.wscc.co.uk/cgi-bin....528;r=1

Thanks for the top tips, saved my a great deal of bother with the flywheel.

Cheers

Fishfoolbear