rookie question

[shaynezrl]

I'm in the process of removing the cam covers. My question are do i need put extra support to hold down the cam while the covers are out? or is it ok to just let the two cam holders hold it down?

thanks

[Dynomite]

I think you are fine letting the two stock cam retention clamps hold each camshaft down.

Now....if you are removing camshafts or timing the camshafts, then you use the aluminum CNC camshaft retainers which I recall have a tighter tolerance. You need a tighter tolerance retainer to set the camshaft timing correctly. (CNC-Computer Numerically Controlled)

You can rotate the camshafts to a neutral unloaded (intake and exhaust) position before you remove them.

Marc Haibeck also uses the aluminum CNC camshaft retainers to hold the camshaft from rotating when the camshaft bolts are tightened locking the vernier plate and camshaft sprocket to the camshaft. As I recall he uses a thin cardboard spacer tightened down between the retainer and the camshaft during that final process.

Are you removing cam covers without removing engine? If so...you do not have to remove the brake booster on drivers side. Remove the engine mount nut from drivers side and jack engine up a few inches on drivers side. When using the Torx sockets, make sure you hold the Torx firmly in place when breaking loose the cam cover Torx bolts.

[shaynezrl]

thank you ,that's what i wanted to hear. I am not going to remove the cam, just doing some top end finishing. I'm gonna get started taking the right cam cover off first.
thanks again.
Shayne

[Locobob]

That is what the cam retainers are there for - keeping the cams in place when the is cover is off. Check the retainers for cracks while you are in there, had one break on me a while back and it wasn't pretty.

[shaynezrl]

Robert,

I just spent 2 1/2 hours removing the cam covers. The drivers side took forever.The four nuts that holds the brake booster gave some me problem...Oh my lord. The power steering pulley wasn't too bad to remove. Thanks to pnwzr1 website help me guide me through project.

Shayne

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by shaynezrl

Robert,

I just spent 2 1/2 hours removing the cam covers. The drivers side took forever.The four nuts that holds the brake booster gave me some problem.....Oh my lord. The power steering pulley wasn't too bad to remove. Thanks to pnwzr1 website help me guide me through project.

Shayne

Told you so

[shaynezrl]

Originally Posted by Dynomite

Told you so

I was going to try your way...but the though of jacking up motor scared me. Now that i'm done maybe i should of went your direction, cause it was quite a pain.

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by shaynezrl

I was going to try your way...but the though of jacking up motor scared me. Now that i'm done maybe i should of went your direction, cause it was quite a pain.

I not only removed the cam covers but the heads the same way without removing the brake booster. After I had the heads and oil pan removed I did not have much left that I could not lift out by hand

Good to hear you got all the bolts out without messing up any torx

[Locobob]

Originally Posted by shaynezrl

Robert,

I just spent 2 1/2 hours removing the cam covers. The drivers side took forever.The four nuts that holds the brake booster gave some me problem...Oh my lord. The power steering pulley wasn't too bad to remove. Thanks to pnwzr1 website help me guide me through project.

Shayne

Did you pull the drivers seat and lie on your back under the dash? Great fun hope I never have to do that job again.

[shaynezrl]

Robert, After evaluating how space i need. I felt that i didn't need to remove the seat. After all i am only 160 pound and not a very wide dude. So i was able to fit after sliding the seat to the rear, but after 30 minutes through.. i should have pull out the seat. I found out that the more room the better.