Race Engine Forum UK

Guy,

There's some discussion on the Betaboyz site about whether the 2.0 T/C in the Beta is an 'interference' design or not. This has arisen from a chap who's cambelt has stripped it's teeth around the crank pulley.

Can you provide some brief informed comment on three questions ?
All relate to a standard 1978 2.0 Beta Coupe

1. As designed, did the US and Euro Betas have different compression ratio ?
2. Will the valves on the Euro spec engine hit the pistons with the cambelt missing ?
3. What is the next step for the bloke with the stripped belt ?

Many thanks,

Stuart

1. As designed, did the US and Euro Betas have different compression ratio ?

Never seen a USA spec one but if it's anything like the 124 2 liter Spider, yes, probably 8/1 or so compared with (OE spec 9/1 - or so) achieved by HUGE valve reliefs and lower compression height.

2. Will the valves on the Euro spec engine hit the pistons with the cambelt missing ?
Usually!
3. What is the next step for the bloke with the stripped belt ?
Reach for his credit card.

Say hi to BetaBoyz!

GC

Thanks for the quick response Guy.

One of the other contributors was suggesting he should put another belt on and hope for the best and that taking the head off to check would be needlessly stripping the engine.

Each to their own but I'd want to make sure all is OK.

Stuart

Yes - 'oh dear, the knocking has got louder!'

You're right on the money there Stuart! Bit like sticking your finger in the electric socket 'to see if it's live_or_not..'

I hear a lot of that stuff, personally I blame the 'forum' concept..! Heaven only knows what some would write here - if they were ever admitted at all - and if I let them.

Of course - and at least the owner should take the head off immediately and get the valves checked - at least by vacumm test on the head. The other thing is to make sure the aux driveshaft is not damaged..

GC