method for changing cams?

[StangerJon]

what is the method every one takes when swapping cams? is a spring compressor really necisary, or can another tool be used? how about jacking up the engine?

I have an old chiltons manual, but I have a feeling I know why they came out with new editions.

whats the routine every one takes? I know people do it differntly then wwhat the books say. lets hear it.

since were talking about taking stuff apart, how does every one put the to bolts that connect the lower intake to the head in? the ones that are on the bottom and in the middle. can that be done from underneath?

just my few questions for now.

[svobrown]

A pro showed me how to do it with a long flathead screw driver and a quick push of the finger. 140cilx, thanks again.
I later built a spring compresser that works off the cam and pushes down on the spring.
I have a lower rad so My cam will slide out with out jacking the engine up in front. I have a screw driver tip on a 1/4 drive socket for the cam keeper in back of the head. I leave the lower on when ever I take the head off. A little work and you can put the lower bolts in while in the car.
Hope this helps.

[StangerJon]

intake went back on great. now I am doing my cam this weekend and an exhaust manifold this weekend.

any tips on how to keep the oil lines safe? (they look nice and fragile)


thanks.

[svobrown]

cut the hanger

I ended up cutting the part that holds it in place, then removed the bolt from the exhaust header.
Later I got a new one to go on.

[StangerJon]

Re: cut the hanger

Originally posted by svobrown
I ended up cutting the part that holds it in place, then removed the bolt from the exhaust header.
Later I got a new one to go on.

ahh yes. just the little clip thing? when I tried loosening the bolt before that spun with it. that makes a lot of sense.

thanks.

[DRAGPAK]

any tips on how to keep the oil lines safe? (they look nice and fragile)


thanks. [/B][/QUOTE]

Use plenty of pb blaster and let them soak for a day

[StangerJon]

ok, I got the cam out with no problem. (i used a screw driver). but how do I get the followers back in now that the cam is in?

also how do I go about timing the engine after the cam is in?


(as you can see, this is the first time anyone in my house hold has worked on a 2.3, and a friend that I was going to have help me went on vacation for a while. and I get to auto cross on saterday.)


thanks!

[SVOBart]

You have to compress the springs to get the followers back in. You might find that buying a sping compressor made for OHC engines will be worth your time and moneyMake sure you have the cam lobe pointing upwards for the follower you're wanting to install. Otherwise it'll never go in. Grease up the followers with some assembly lube before reinstalling them.

Just do a search on how to retime the engine. Get a helper to hold the crank still when putting tension back on the timing belt. Otherwise you'll drive yourself nuts when it rotates a little bit and knocks the timing off 5-10 degrees.

[StangerJon]

ok thanks.

the part that makes me angry is when I went to take the cam out, I thought. well I am going to do it right and go rent a spring compressor. so I head to the store, rent it, paid my deposit and all that good stuff. but didnt check out the compressor. happends to be the wrong design. so I got out a screwdriver.