couple of questions related to intake cam replacement

[mudd1011]

Thinking of tackling this project this summer (mainly to just replace the cam tensioner/chain, but maybe I'll do the intake cam as well. what the hell).

Have a couple of questions:

I've read that you can replace the intake cam without removing the timing belt and thus relieving tension on the exhaust cam. Bentley and ELSA both say to take it off but then again, they are assuming you are replacing both. Any recommendations? Is it best just to follow Audi's instructions?

Removing Cam girdle sealant:

I hear this is a PITA. I recently got a walnut blaster for cleaning the carbon from my intake valves and it did a great job. Can I use it to get rid of the old sealant, or is that a bad idea?

Thanks

[james12lucy]

I've read you may as well replace with a Golf R cam. Slightly more aggressive and a similar cost.

Sorry, can't help you with the rest of the stuff, because I haven't torn mine out yet.

[B72011]

DO everyone here a favor and do a full writeup on how to change out that intake cam! Start at the point where the timing belt comes off. I guarantee you'll be a legend and immediately move to jedi status! Yoda status!!



Thinking of tackling this project this summer (mainly to just replace the cam tensioner/chain, but maybe I'll do the intake cam as well. what the hell).

Have a couple of questions:

I've read that you can replace the intake cam without removing the timing belt and thus relieving tension on the exhaust cam. Bentley and ELSA both say to take it off but then again, they are assuming you are replacing both. Any recommendations? Is it best just to follow Audi's instructions?

Removing Cam girdle sealant:

I hear this is a PITA. I recently got a walnut blaster for cleaning the carbon from my intake valves and it did a great job. Can I use it to get rid of the old sealant, or is that a bad idea?

Thanks

[malathion]

I've read you may as well replace with a Golf R cam. Slightly more aggressive and a similar cost.



Any more info on this ? Need to replace my intake cam as well and would love to throw in a Golf R cam for some extra gains [:D]

[Okedokey]

Agreed, what do you mean by 'more aggressive'?

[Theiceman]

Agreed, what do you mean by 'more aggressive'?

different cam profile therefore changing the mechanical valve timing , usually shifte the torque in the power band.
Anyhow I would not " blast" ANY sealing surface. I would be more likely to use chemicals and patience. that sealing surface needs to be clean clean clean , but blasting sealing surfaces is asking for trouble.

[aluthman]

I soda blasted my head and the cam tray on multiple occasions to clean the sealant off with no issues. I also wrote up the process of disassembling and reassembling the head out of the car that has most of the steps you need.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/660270-I-think-I-finally-found-the-smoking-gun-for-my-oil-consumption!

[Theiceman]

I soda blasted my head and the cam tray on multiple occasions to clean the sealant off with no issues. I also wrote up the process of disassembling and reassembling the head out of the car that has most of the steps you need.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/660270-I-think-I-finally-found-the-smoking-gun-for-my-oil-consumption!

soda MAY be the exception as im not sure if its even a particle per se. Rule of thumb is don't blast sealing surfaces.