Timing chain and tensioner replacement without camlock tools

[hammond]

Is it possible to do timing chain job without locking tool. Can i just rely on counting the links and use vicegripts to turn intake cam(using it in gap between lobes) during the installation?

[Theiceman]

personally i think the tool is a disaster waiting to happen. I never use it and people who have used it have gotten themselves into trouble.

But.. i do realize i am just one opinion and many people have used it successfully. I am sure other will chime in with their opinions.

my thread on the subject,,

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...7#post12969477

[hammond]

personally i think the tool is a disaster waiting to happen. I never use it and people who have used it have gotten themselves into trouble.

But.. i do realize i am just one opinion and many people have used it successfully. I am sure other will chime in with their opinions.

are you saying its possible to do it without locking tool. can you explain, how you held intake cam in place after removing chain?

[Theiceman]

are you saying its possible to do it without locking tool. can you explain, how you held intake cam in place after removing chain?

i dont worry about the intake cam .. I lock up the exhaust cam remove hardware , let the intake go where it wants to .. or hold with vice grips, up to you , then move intake cam into position with new chain.
its explained in the thread i referenced.

or if you would feel safer , pick up the tool. I have over 40 years of tooling cars... so may take an approach others may not.

[hammond]

i dont worry about the intake cam .. I lock up the exhaust cam remove hardware , let the intake go where it wants to .. or hold with vice grips, up to you , then move intake cam into position with new chain.
its explained in the thread i referenced.

or if you would feel safer , pick up the tool. I have over 40 years of tooling cars... so may take an approach others may not.

I watched countless Youtube videos where people are using tool and also counting links. I dont see a purpose for getting the tool as its not accurate.

[Theiceman]

I watched countless Youtube videos where people are using tool and also counting links. I dont see a purpose for getting the tool as its not accurate.

if its fine now just use a paint pen at tdc and mark the cams reference to the head. as a double check.

[Jayz691]

I watched countless Youtube videos where people are using tool and also counting links. I dont see a purpose for getting the tool as its not accurate.

The locking tool is basically for holding cams to loosen adj bolt, and to hokd them relatively in place. You don't "need" it, but its nice, if you buy a good one. $25 Amazon specials are shit. Can use vice grips, but if they slip, then ya have metal shaving in the head to clean up. So its basically preference. I have a good one, but got it with my chain kit I bought off someone. So didn't really pay for it. But either way, count your links on reassembly.

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[OliNix]

If you don’t loosen the cam gear from the cam shaft it is possible.

When I did it I used the timing kit. For £50 vs rebuilding your engine again it’s worth it’s weight in gold!


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[Theiceman]

The locking tool is basically for holding cams to loosen adj bolt, and to hokd them relatively in place. You don't "need" it, but its nice, if you buy a good one. $25 Amazon specials are shit. Can use vice grips, but if they slip, then ya have metal shaving in the head to clean up. So its basically preference. I have a good one, but got it with my chain kit I bought off someone. So didn't really pay for it. But either way, count your links on reassembly.

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thats why you wrap denim around the cam ... but either way i would not consider this a simple DIY . i think it takes some aptitude and experience to complete confidently. So many just do it wrong and then its weeks of trying to sort it out.
If you can get together with someone who has done it before its a breeze.

[Jeevan]

If you don’t loosen the cam gear from the cam shaft it is possible.

When I did it I used the timing kit. For £50 vs rebuilding your engine again it’s worth it’s weight in gold!


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without removing cam adjuster there is no way in the hell you can remove or install the chain.


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[OliNix]

without removing cam adjuster there is no way in the hell you can remove or install the chain.


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Hence why I recommend the kit.

[Theiceman]

without removing cam adjuster there is no way in the hell you can remove or install the chain.


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Not true.
In fact many shops decide to just remove the cam cradle and remove the cam that way to replace the chain and tensioner.
Yes it is more work but can certainly be done and is the backup plan for those who strip the bolt head.

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[aluthman]

A QUALITY cam lock tool will get you where you need to be every time with no guessing. An ebay cam lock tool is a headache waiting to happen. I have a cam lock tool from Assenmacher Specialty Tools and have never been off in probably 8-10 times I’ve used it on various cars.