Head removal...... Rubix cube? I'm confused....

[stevef]

I'm in the process of stripping down my 2.0L 69 911 motor to do what I hope is a head job (we all know how that job will expand). I've got all the rockers out, loosed the cam sprocket nuts (managed on my own with the P202 and 023 tools. My point of confusion is; In order to get the cam tower/housing off ,and subsequently the heads,do I have to remove the cam-chain housing, then remove the cam shaft, or is there a way of removing the camshaft housing with the cam shaft in place without removing the cam-chain housings. It all looks a bit like a rubix cube to me at the moment.
For anybody who has done this job what's the least effort way?

Steve F
69 911

[john walker's workshop]

the easiest way is to remove the chain housings and then pull off the assembled cam towers/heads as a unit and disassemble them on the bench. reassemble in reverse order.

[Superman]

Even if you were able to remove the cam housing with the cam still in it, the cam would be loose in there and could fall right out. So, if the rockers are out, I'd remove the gears from the end of the cams (don't lose or drop the woodruf key), take out the (3?) bolts behind them and just slide the cam out at this point. It is probably possible to then remove the entire bank of heads on that side, but it is just very easy to remove the cam housing, once the chain is loose. You are only a few minutes away from having the engine stripped down to the case.

[ChrisBennet]

With all due respect to John W. I personally find it easier to remove the cam towers while the heads are still bolted to the engine. That way I can tap away on the cam carrier with a plastic mallet without resorting to any risky prying.
-Chris

[stevef]

Chris, Either way, do I assume you still have to remove the cam chain housings?

[ChrisBennet]

Originally posted by stevef
Chris, Either way, do I assume you still have to remove the cam chain housings?

If you remove the cam I suppose you could leave the chain boxes on but I wouldn't. The chain boxes come off pretty easily.
To remove the chain box with the cam still installed, slide it off the case studs and then tip the outermost side of the box away from the cam carrier (toward you if you're looking at the fan). I hope that makes sense.
-Chris

[Superman]

When you see how easy it is (with the cam nuts loose and the rockers removed) to remove the cam, housing, heads and cam tower, you'll see why folks are telling you to just take those things off. First the cam sprocket, then the cam, then the chain housing and then the bank of cylinders. I'd agree that the tower can come off before the cylinders, but I probably agree with JW that they can more easily be separated on a bench. And I also agree that prying would not be the appropriate method. I prefer to beat things with my rubber hammer.

[stevef]

Thanks everyone, I now have a better idea how it all fits together before I start. I just couldn't see it in the manuals I have,..... little bit like the song about your toe bone connected to your foot bone, your foot bone connected to your.......you know what I mean. Thankyou

Steve F
69 911

[john walker's workshop]

a light pry with a screwdriver is all it takes to pop the heads loose from the cam tower. hundreds of heads and no broken fins. just don't pry on the ends of the fins.