Removing Camshafts

[Draayer]

I'm to the stage in my head gasket replacement, that I'm removing the camshafts. I understand on the exhaust camshaft to line up the timing marks and install a service bolt but as this step seems a bit tricky and I don't want to mess up, I'm wondering if any experts out there can give me some extra hints? Or if I just follow the steps in the service manual, will I be ok?
Thanks,

 

[TakeitApart]

Just make sure the gear damper is locked in place with a bolt before you remove them and you should be good to go. Also make sure that none of the cam lobes are pushing down on any valve tappets and you shouldn't have any issues when removing them.

When you go back in, you have to kind of rock the last cam in on each bank and make sure that the cam is seated in the lower journals before starting to torque down the cap cap bolts. It helps to use a wrench on the cam that's already in the head to help guide the other one in. Even then, I tend to go very slow and make it a many step process using the smallest 1/4" ratchet I have. You don't want to snap a cam shaft!

EDIT: you may as well measure the valve clearance before you remove the cams and order any buckets you may need to adjust back to spec while you're in there.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

EDIT: you may as well measure the valve clearance before you remove the cams and order any buckets you may need to adjust back to spec while you're in there.

Great advice!

 

[02SE]

EDIT: you may as well measure the valve clearance before you remove the cams and order any buckets you may need to adjust back to spec while you're in there.

That assumes that the valves and seats are in good shape, which we have no way of knowing without disassembling the head completely, and checking the valves, seats, springs, guides, etc., and repairing and/or replacing any out of spec parts. At the very least I'd lap the valves and install new valve stem seals.

OP, if you aren't comfortable doing that type of work, I'd call some cylinder head shops and ask them to go through them.

These guys did decent work, back in the day. I assume they're still reputable: Cylinder Head Salt Lake City, UT

They also do exchanges, which is another option.

 

[KidVermicious]

If you're going to pull the heads to do gaskets, I'd take the whole schmear (camshafts and all) into a shop to get them checked out. They'll inspect the valves and shims, check for cracks, and make sure the mating surfaces aren't out of spec. There could be a reason that gasket went.

Crankshaft Grinders on Main Street did good work on my 22RE, but I wouldn't hesitate to use any shop 02SE recommends either. He knows a little bit about this and that.

 

[Draayer]

Thanks for the replies

Thanks for the replies. I will take the heads and cams into the experts for inspection/repairs/replacements as needed.
Thanks again.