Cam timing question.
 

This is in relation to the tech article on changing over to pressure-fed tensioners.

While the article doesn't dwell on chain tensioner supports, because I have a '78, with, I presume, the narrow sprocket supports, I will have to change mine out. That means I'll have to take the sprockets off, right?

Is there any way of carefully doing this without having to re-time the cams...I'm a bit apprehensive...but I'm determined to do the job myself.

I've got the Bentley book, which says I must time the cams, no matter what.

Any advice is extremely welcome, as I'll be getting to this project later this week.

Lee,

I have done a couple of the updates with idler-sprocket carrier changes, and haven't lost timing on the cams, yet! Of course, I do check the cam timing after the change, but before sealing things back up. If you get the P-207 holder and a dial indicator, you will be all set to monitor/check/set your cam timing, one way, or the other!

The 'trick' to not losing timing is to tension/tie the chain around the bottom side of the cam sprocket by looping a piece of safety wire or wire tie from top chain part to the bottom part of the chain. On the right side it can be done before the tensioner is removed, but on the left it has to be done as the tensioner is removed, but before the carrier and idler sprocket are removed. Good luck!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

if the engine is set on #1 TDC, the cams will sit there while you swap the arms. just slide them off, swap the idler sprocket , and slide them back on. just make sure the tensioners are installed and extended before turning the engine, and you won't loose cam timing.

Thanks, Y'all.