Remove Cams, Leave Rockers?

[Smoove1010]

The adventure continues on my '87 Carrera Cab top-end job, dis-assembly under way.

Can the cams be removed without removing the rocker arms? Wayne's book seems to indicate that they can, Bentley shows the rockers being removed first. I was considering leaving the rockers undisturbed since the shafts show no signs of leakage, the cam lobes look very good (no pitting or discoloration) and also in the interest of "don't take it apart if you don't need to."

The adjustment screws are backed off as far as they will go, but it looks like the cam won't slip out past the swivel-feet. Am I missing something here?

Alternatively, is it possible to get the chain housings off without removing the cams so I can leave the cams in and remove the towers as an assembly?

Thanks in advance,
GK

[yelcab1]

No the shafts cannot come off with the rockers in. The chain housing can come off, but it is tough. you have to remove all the sprockets, all the chain ramps, and bend the hell out of the chain.

If the engine is out of the car, just remove the cam and inspect and clean the parts. Don't cut that corner.

[db_cooper]

Very sure the cams can not be removed without removing the rocker arms..I've done a lot of 911s..never tried.

Chain housings can come off once the sprockets, ramps and tensioner are removed..you can wiggle the housing off.

Some will remove the camshaft/carrier assembly as a unit with the cylinder heads.
Cam Housing on Head on Cylinder Install

[T77911S]

if you are doing a top end, you will want to clean the cam housing.= removing everything.
i was thinking you were just swapping cams or something. but it looks like you are in a place to tell us. try removing the swivel feet on the rockers.- might be good to know if anyone just wants to do a cam swap.
also, for a top end, i would send the rockers off to have them rebushed and resurfaced along with the shafts polished.