Tool questions for you rebuilders

[Dpmulvan]

Can someone tell me how the chain sprocket holder tool works? anyone got a pic

[Spenny_b]

Which type of cam tool are you referring to? There are two types...

I don't seem to have any pics of my cam tool actually on the engine but the tool for my build (the later style tool used on 964T amongst others) is this one

Essentially you're counter holding with the tool. The locking pins on the "outer" ring prevent the chain timing wheels from turning (preventing you from stretching the timing chain), whilst you then tighten the camshaft bolts through the middle with a socket.

If you're going to get into this, well worth buying a copy of Waynes rebuild book, available from all good Pelican bookstores.

[Dpmulvan]

Wrong tool I'm talking about pel tol p204. I have bought both of Wayne's books and there's no mention of the tool in the books or photos.

[356RS]

Better than using a pair of vice grips. P-204 keeping pressure on the chain idler arm.

[VFR750]

Interesting. I have one too.

Does this work on the other side?

[356RS]

No, that's the funny part of this tool.

[Spenny_b]

Originally Posted by Dpmulvan

Wrong tool I'm talking about pel tol p204. I have bought both of Wayne's books and there's no mention of the tool in the books or photos.

No, what I described was the sprocket holding tool....what you meant to ask, was the tensioner tool

[Dpmulvan]

Your telling me what I meant to ask ??? The tool is called chain sprocket holder both on the package and in the catalog and that's what I asked. Seriously??

[Dpmulvan]

Thanks for the photo 356rs

[pampadori]

Question here...
Would a large hex bolt and some female all thread suffice?
You could even grind out a concave divot to more evenly apply pressure against the sprocket axle thing.

I can't really tell what the right side of the tool is like but looks like it could just be blunt and still work.

[gtc]

I suppose you could build your own... if your time is worth little. I find it easier to buy the tool, then sell it when I'm done for 75% of what I paid.

On the right side I just used one of my carrera tensioners... the spring tension kept the chain plenty tight.

[Mick_D]

Wow.

Originally Posted by gtc

I suppose you could build your own... if your time is worth little. I find it easier to buy the tool, then sell it when I'm done for 75% of what I paid.

On the right side I just used one of my carrera tensioners... the spring tension kept the chain plenty tight.

[KTL]

The side of the tool that doesn't bear on the idler sprocket shaft is like a large flat blade screwdriver. Nice little tool but like Mark said it has its limitations. Nothing wrong with making your own tool to "make a better mousetrap."

[Mark Henry]

I've always used the mechanical tensioner blocks and just held it while I pulled them off and slipped in the tensioner.
You have to rotate it to a point where the springs are unloaded.

[Walt Fricke]

I don't understand the statements that this tool only works on the left cam sprocket. I have that tool (bought back before I realized there were also lots of other ways to tension the chain when setting the timing), and use it on the right side also if I am setting the timing one cam at a time (moving the dial indicator). Works just as well over there on the right side.

One simple tool mimics this, but isn't adjustable. Take a piece of 1/4" or so aluminum angle. Notch one end. Keep shortening the other end until it is a tight cram fit.

You can also use C clamps, at least on the left side. I think a vice grip would work also. I acquired a pair of solid tensioners, and those work great also for this purpose - just tighten them up.

But I have found it a bit easier to work with the big nut and the cam holder without having something in where the tensioner goes.