Cam Nut Removal

[echrisconnor]

Any tips on doing this solo when you don't have an impact wrench and you're doing it with two breaker bars? I want to do this over the weekend, but won't have anyone to help out.

Any thoughts?

[ChrisBennet]

Originally posted by echrisconnor
Any tips on doing this solo when you don't have an impact wrench and you're doing it with two breaker bars? I want to do this over the weekend, but won't have anyone to help out.

Any thoughts?

Sounds to me like you need to make more friends.

The little 6mm studs that hold the cam box covers on are really easy to break off if you aren't careful. You could get creative with a breaker bar wedged against the floor but I think you are asking for trouble.

Have you considered ordering a pizza delivered and then paying the delivery guy/girl to hold the other breaker bar (for an extra tip)?

-Chris

[camgrinder]

Cam Nut removal options???

look here

[dtw]

Just lock the flywheel and use one bar...?

Otherwise, I time cams alone no problem, using two wrenches...it requires finesse, but I'm able to torque while holding both wrenches. I use a big PVC cheater over the wrench on the cam, it make it easier to hold it steady as I torque the nut. Just takes a little practice. Those who know me will argue this is because I am a grizzly bear, but I showed Tim how to do it (he ain't no grizzly bear) and he can do it too.

[Tim Walsh]

yep took me a try or two but I got the hang of it and I'm 6'1 and 165.. not a big guy at all.

[jgparker]

It helps if your breaker bars do not have much flex, and if they do not have a swivel head. The flex makes it hard to break the nut without a lot of movement, and the swivel makes it hard to keep the crow's foot on the nut. I do it solo, but you have to have the right tools.

Good luck,

JP

[echrisconnor]

I have two swively breakers. One's 27" one's 15" and I've got plenty of pipe for extensions. I'm recruiting a buddy to assist. Do folks generally recommend some heat first? Maybe hammer the bar once or twice before starting?

[Wayne 962]

Just to verify - you need the right tools - the cam holder and the crowfoot wrench. Otherwise you won't be able to do it...

-Wayne

[john walker's workshop]

i took one apart recently that had big ugly chisel gouges going in both directions, so someone obviously found another way to do it. get the right tools.

[dtw]

Actually Wayne, I find just a big 46mm socket to be much easier to use on disassembly, much better engagement than the crow's foot. Breaker bar and locked flywheel or air impact wrench...either way works...

[Wayne 962]

Originally posted by dtw
Actually Wayne, I find just a big 46mm socket to be much easier to use on disassembly, much better engagement than the crow's foot. Breaker bar and locked flywheel or air impact wrench...either way works...

Air impact okay - maybe locking the flywheel, although you're guaranteed to toast your chains. Either way, you still need the proper tools to reattach and torque the nut, so why not use them to remove it?

-Wayne

[echrisconnor]

Man, was that easy. I recruited a buddy, and I had told him, we just have this one thing to do, and that hopefully we'd get it done in about an hour... Had both off in under one minute.

The night before I had applied some heat and PB blaster, then heat and some beeswax. They came off like butter. Having the breaker bar with the cam holding fixture secured against one of the engine mounting studs was the key too. My buddy just made sure it stayed in place while I turned the nut (using the proper cam holding tool, mind you). No problems.

Thanks all.