Hey folks, I did an oops and turned the primary backwards by accident, what are the chances I messed up the cam chain-tensioner-timing or whatever else I may have messed up? And what do you think I could do to fix it?
what do you mean by "primary backwards".
The engine can rotate backwards no problem. (for example pushing backwards in gear)
Thanks for the response.
I was starting the shim clearance check procedure and had the contact breaker cover off, then I got called away and I returned and didn't check the direction the socket was set to and turned it backwards expecting the socket to click click click, instead it spun everything in the wrong direction. I did note it was in nuetral and that it moved freely (in both directions) and that as I turn it in the correct direction it gets to a certain point and it basically "falls forward" on it's own.
Here is where I got worried as I had noted this video and several others say: "Don't turn it backwards!!"
https://youtu.be/j4vRm9xADa8?si=PaGA5_dOKcaLfZAA&t=128
direct youtube link to BaltimoreGS video (https://youtu.be/j4vRm9xADa8?si=PaGA5_dOKcaLfZAA&t=128)
As a side note, does it matter if it's in neutral or in a gear while doing the shims?
"Don't turn it backwards!!"
I always took that comment as friendly advice, and I usually will only turn the engine in 1 direction, but sometimes the timing marks roll past and it's necessary to go back. I suppose there may be some older engines with too much wear and tear on the cam chain tensioner system, maybe you could accidentally jump timimg, but I don't see that happening on any of these "modern " engines.
"...does it matter if it's in neutral or in a gear while doing the shims?"
Nope! It just matters that the cam lobe is facing away
from the shim to insure an accurate feeler gauge measurement.
I like your thinking!
Hopefully, all is well and I won't send engine parts shooting free into the world once I get it all stitched back up!