checking cam timing on TB42 petrol engine

[IanS]

A friend has replaced the timing chain on his TB42 engine and it runs REALLY rough. He is prepared to admit he might have got the cam timing wrong, but would like to confirm that is the problem before stripping it all down again.

Does anyone have a technique for checking the cam timing without pulling the timing cover off?

[Parksy]

Hi Ian

This is probably of no use, but when installing the timing chain, there are two shiny links on the chain that need to line up with marks on both the crank sprocket and cam sprocket. When it is lined up correctly, both woodruf keys(crank and cam) will point up when the crank is at tdc.
The only way I can think of checking without taking the timing cover off would be finding the cam specs, finding out when the intake valve opens and chucking a degree wheel on the crank. Easier to just take the cover off I think.