Removing Cam Sprockets 3.0

KoenigsTiger · 09-12-2009, 07:46 AM

Hey Everyone,

Is it ok to remove the cam sprockets with just a 46mm socket and an impact, while holding the flywheel or pulley? I have Wayne's rebuild book, he says that chain may stretch or break... But it is an impact, I wont be using a breaker bar.... What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Gene

JFairman · 09-12-2009, 10:06 AM

Yes.
The impacts from a good 1/2" drive or 1" drive air impact gun with the big 46mm socket are too fast, powerful, and of short duration to spin the rest of the stuff so you don't really have to hold anything from turning.

E Sully · E Sully's Garage

No. It's not the chain breaking or stretching that's a real issue. The tensioners do not work when the cam nut is turned in that direction. This could allow the cam to turn, pushing valve into piston while the crank stays in place. Not worth the risk in my opinion. I'd get the wrench. Might work but if it doesn't it could get expensive.

dcriss · 09-12-2009, 02:27 PM

I Agree with Sully.

NO! Too much risk. Anyway, why not do it the correct way.

Flat6pac · 09-12-2009, 06:04 PM

Taking it off is not as important as tightening it. The cam is a cast Iron and too much torque will break the cam at the threads. You need to see what you are doing while tightening so you still need the crowfoot to finish the job.
Bruce

KoenigsTiger · 09-13-2009, 06:58 AM

Thanks for the replies guys! I was thinking of using the socket just for removal, until I get the proper tools... The socket wont fit on the left cam because of the tensioner. I'd have to remove the tensioners anyway...

Thanks

tom1394racing · 09-22-2009, 01:50 PM

The impact wrench is the easy and fast way to remove the cam nuts.

I always back the valve adjustment screws out first to provide extra insurance that the valves and piston don't collide.

KoenigsTiger · 09-22-2009, 06:51 PM

Oh yeah. I got them off.

Guess what I forgot to do, after reading it at least twice in the book. Back off the adjusting screws... I couldn't wait any longer. But the pistons looked fine. I dont think there was any contact with the valves... The chains have to be replaced anyway when rebuilding...

Thanks guys!
Gene

Walt Fricke · 09-22-2009, 07:31 PM

Well, my ignorance has been bliss. I've used the impact gun for big nut removal ever since I got air (I think I had a 46mm socket for VW axle purposes or something). Never gave valve contact a thought. Never had any, either, that I could tell. On the left cam I just hold the idler down with a hand after removing the tensioner. Cam doesn't really move.

Walt Fricke