Any suggestions on how to remove the cam gears without and impact wrench? Is there a way to 'lock' down the cams so I can torque the bolts off?

thanks!
-shing

 

remove valve cover, remove one cam cap on each cam. Use a piece of a buisness card between the cam cap and cam, tighten down the cam. Now slip off timing belt and do the gears.

The thin paperboard will lock the cams in place, just remember to take it back out!

 

ahh ok, sounds good. I shall give it a shot tomorrow.

thanks
-Shing

 

or with the Tbelt still installed- slip a long 12mm boxwrench on the bolt and smack it with your hand- or get some 20" "channel locks" and cut a piec of tbelt to put over the cam sprocket teeth, grip it with the locks and use a wrench to loosen.

 

You guys are crazy. Just take off the VC, timing belt and then stick a small allen wrench size object in the hole of the cam cover. This holds the cam from moving when messing with the gears. (make sure motor is at TDC) Works like a charm. Also, if no one has installed cams or gears on the car previously, (factory torque) then they can easily be taken off without an impact.

 

that is the correct way of doing it. that small hole is used for that exact reason. i belive a 8mm pin/drill bit/allen key will do the trick.

 

hmmm... not all cams have these holes guys...

 

Why not just break it loose with the timing belt still on. I cant imagine it turning the whole engine over. But then again i have holes in mine so im just taking a stab at it.

 

Works for me!

me neither!

 

I STRONGLY DO NOT recommend holding the cam steady with the hole/pin method if you are removing the bolt- you WILL break the #1 cam journal(s). For belt replacement- it is fine and helpful- but for removing cam gears it is a big no no. The aluminum is not strong enough to hold the cam during bolt removal. Usually the little tab with the hole will break off- or the whole cap will break. I have seen this happen a few times- just loosen and tighten with the tbelt on- works for me.


[Modified by fixhondas, 9:08 PM 12/23/2001]

 

I usually just put a socket wrench on the crank pulley and turn it till it wedges.
Then it'll hold in place while you loosen then cam gear bolt.

--reid