I installed AEM cam gears on my 99 GS. Before, I was using Crane Cams with stock cam sprockets and it ran great. After I installed AEM gears it made noises, it sounded like too much valve lash. I checked the valves and they seemed fine. So, I reinstalled the valve cover, but this time I took off the upper timing belt cover.

This is what I found out: The threads on back of the bolts are hitting the rear timing belt cover (between the cylinder head and the timing belt). It makes a horrible noise.
The only thing I didn't do that AEM suggests is use thier woodruff keys becuase they weren't supplied. Even so, the woodruff keys wouldn't effect the position of the gears. Does anyone use AEM cam gear and experience this, or can anyone give a suggetion to eliminate this noise?

BTW, These are the type with 6 point bolts.

 

I personally think it's the Cam Gears(AEM).. My B16A3 does the same thing, along with my Bro's B18C with cam gears.. It's the teeth.

 

Thanks for the input, anyone else?

 

I have AEM's.. No problem here.. B18

 

the person who installed mine siad it was cause the cam gears rub up against something

 

You can get shorter bolts from a hardware store or a specialty nuts/bolts store. Take one off and bring them in and match it up. Get some Grade 8 bolts, they work better than the ones they give you, ie. they don't strip the heads.


[Modified by AzSi22, 1:59 PM 1/12/2003]

 

first off READ THE DIRECTIONS, well if u read the directions they say to remove the rear timing belt cover because it will rub...i did this for a little while till i decided to cut it so it could leave it in place and still use the gears. so there u go just remove it or cut it till it fits...i cut mine so there is more protection for the timing belt.

 

Sometimes the bolts extend a little too far out past the inside of the gears Hence the rubbing sound you are hearing a quick fix take off the plastic cover or get shorter bolts. it does no damage to any part of your motor it is just annoying for the first couple thousand miles.

 

Is this noise at all times?

 

The noise that you are hearing is very common when installing cam gears.The best thing to do is to trim the rear/upper timing belt cover so that it doesn't rub.


[Modified by SIKCX, 11:23 PM 1/16/2003]