Identifying engine - new owner.

[Jacques]

Am0908 looking for info on ignition timing, etc., so looking for basics on what engine I have.  It's a 1988 7 with a Cosworth, twin Weber 45's.  There are a variety of markings on the front of the head - V88HF 80890CA.  Also YN0827.  Stamped into the head - A782.  that could be V86 and not 88.  Hard to tell.  Can anyone direct me to a proper guide? 

 

I've had to replace the dist cap and some wiring; it's running but popping back thru the carbs.  Just getting back into dealing with this.  Cheers, James.

 

[Croc]

 

For the next time, its easier to identify an engine with an engine block number.  A head stamping does not always provide absolute confirmation of what engine you have especially since Ford have always been good at allowing a level of mix and match between block and head over the years.   

 

However, with those markings, I suspect you have a YB Cosworth NA engine.  That seems to match up with your "YB Webers" description on your profile showing at left. 

 

Does it have a valve cover and cam profile like the photo from one of my cars, below - its a turbo engine but the valve cover and cam profile were generally common across most YB Cosworths:

 

 

 

Assuming yes then reading the following link will start the process of working out which version of YB engine you have.  Start by getting your engine block number and matching it to the specific engine type.  

 

FORD COSWORTH YB ENGINE GUIDE - Fast Car

 

Once you have narrowed it down then it is easier to google your specific engine version for timing/ignition details.  

 

If I have it wrong then please post a photo of the engine here for us to identify it properly.  

[coffee break]

A picture is worth a 1k words. 

[Jacques]

Croc/Coffee bk

 

As you suggest, YB NA seems accurate.  Search for a block marking not fruitful.  Smooth spot near alternator mount has no markings.  Below the headers appears 21030.  the 210 is clearish but 30 could be wrong.  By the articles I've read it should be 200 or 205.  How should I confirm the timing specs?  

[Croc]

 

A 200 block is from a Pinto. A 205 block is likely a Cosworth.  A 210 or 20 came from a Ford Transit van from recollection.

 

I think you have an engine built up from spares.  Hard to know for certain from what you have provided.  Fortunately, it looks like you have the standard distributor from the photo provided.  Hopefully the following is generic enough to get you going.

 

Step 1 - checking your HT leads are in the correct cylinder firing order 1-3-4-2

 

Step 2 - cylinder 1 set to TDC

 

Step 3 - Follow diagram below in numbered order:

 

 

 

Step 4: Rotor arm should point to #1 on distributor cap.  There should be a notch/scribe mark on the distributor body to line up with.  The rotor arm is fairly wide - line up the middle of the rotor arm.  

 

The above is from a Ford competition manual.

 

Doing a little digging around, there are some small differences between Escort and Sapphire engines - the attached thread on PassionFord may be of use as it has a number of photos (although it ends badly).  Post #14 may be of critical importance as I don't know what specific engine type you have.   Also some extra diagrams from the Ford service manual are included in that thread which will be a good reference.  

YB NASP cosworth na twin 45's wont start help please! (turbosport.co.uk)

 

You could also buy a Haynes manual for a Ford Sapphire or Ford Escort as this will have the same information, likely in more detail.    

[Jacques]

Mike - should have noted previously - this diagram was quite helpful. My Alfaholic buddy and I got most of the issues sorted.  Still don't think it's advancing enough so will look at electronic ignition vs. new distributor - $.  Webers  still popping when you come off the pedal.  Heading to an All British Field Meet in Vancouver this weekend.  50 Lotuses of the 450 cars there.  Thanks for the tips.

[IamScotticus]

this is interesting 

https://www.classicfordmag.co.uk/features/how-the-cosworth-yb-engine-was-born/

 

 

[Jacques]

I've seen that article and noted they refer to a 'long, tubular, elongated exhaust manifold.'  A few racers have questioned if my set-up is hurting tuning efforts.

[bball7754]

In case you want a back up engine.

 

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/cosworth-ybm-2-0/

[IamScotticus]

Not many exhaust options in a seven, especially LHD

[Jacques]

Scotticus....you may call me Hamish....is there anybody in the states producing headers for these cars? or for the Cosworth?  Is  a UK product cheaper to acquire?  It's not my top priority but it's not helping the tuning process.

[IamScotticus]

10 hours ago, Jacques said:

Scotticus....you may call me Hamish....is there anybody in the states producing headers for these cars? or for the Cosworth?  Is  a UK product cheaper to acquire?  It's not my top priority but it's not helping the tuning process.

Hamish,

It will most likely need be a bespoke, custom fabrication.  There are several header manufacturers to choose from that do excellent work, but they would probably need the car to fit.

I would contact Ken at Dave Bean Engineering.  He doesn't manufacture exhausts, but he supplies parts to the Formula Ford and Lotus community. He may have some ideas.

ken@davebean.com. Tel: (209)754-5802

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