Camshaft removal

[MTV2002]

Is it possible to remove both cams with the tensioner attached? I'm replacing lifters and I left my tool at my house 3 hrs away and I have all the cam caps off and it's not budging. Any help would be appreciated!!

[redline380]

You could pry them up and they will come out. Just be sure to pry on the right places, and use w block of wood on the pivot point.

What I don't like about this is that the cams are being pushed out by the tensioner, which is why you are experiencing resistance and why they just dont fall out. So, when you pry them out (it won't take very much effort) the journal will rub and possibly score it. That is not good. I recommend using the tool to compress the cams and thus take off the tensioner which will cause cam journal wear.

[MTV2002]

Thanks, I'm replacing the cams too as they got chewed up by the lifters. I don't have the tool and there is no one around that has one to use and that's the issue I've been having

[redline380]

Thanks, I'm replacing the cams too as they got chewed up by the lifters. I don't have the tool and there is no one around that has one to use and that's the issue I've been having

How much time do you have? Can someone just mail you one? You are certainly welcome to mine if a 1.8t one will work, and I imagine it would.

I just dont want you fucking up the journal. If you are replacing cams, no big deal on those. But the head journals are just aluminum. You also have the problem with putting cams back in, and I'm pretty sure there is no way around it- you'll need the tool for that.

[MTV2002]

Yea I think I'm stuck going to my house and getting my tool

[redline380]

Yea I think I'm stuck going to my house and getting my tool

You are, but like I said I am happy to mail mine. It would definitely be cheaper than 6 hours worth of gas. Or have someone at your place mail it to you.

[MTV2002]

Thanks, I need the car today so I'm screwed. Appreciate the offer!!

[redline380]

Thanks, I need the car today so I'm screwed. Appreciate the offer!!

If you absolutely need it, you could possibly find a brand new tensioner locally. Sometimes they come with the tool. Once done, just return it.

[cjt671]

Be careful not to damage the head, the cams will come out with the tensioner expanded what needs to be done is the cams need to be to rotated ever so slightly so that the pressure created by lifters is relieved. What you can do is put the plate back on the exhaust cam and tighten the bolt just enough so the plate sits and the turn the cam with the lock bar very little till it's not stuck in the head..