MA7008O

Excuse for maybe asking a stupid question, but:
I’m doing some work on the engine due to a broken head stud. I do not plan on doing any head or valve work.
Question: is there a way to disassemble so that I do not need to redo the timing?
It’s probably the scariest part of the process.
Thanks!!!

JohnK964

No you have to remove the cam towers to pull the heads Timing the cams was a scary thing so I did it several times. Once I had my head wrapped around it though it really wasn't that bad.

964Andrew

+1 Also did it several times. The internet is full of help on that subject.

Thanks!
Andrew

MA7008O

Thanks for the inputs.
One more question: are the Timing chain tensioner necessary or can they be substituted with another things, such as those found on this page: http://pcarworkshop.com/index.php/Ca..._timing_Part_I
Those are expensive and useless after been used.
Thanks,

Rocket Rob

Can you improvise? Yes, I did but be very careful that both cams have the same tension. . After I finished my engine seemed a bit off. I bought the Stomski racing tools and rechecked my cams and I had one advanced more than the other. The correct tools made the job much easier.

Any chance you can borrow tools from someone locally?

MA7008O

Thanks again for the help.
No chance to borrow tools form no one. I must buy everything I do not have.
It’s not about the money (I am going to save big $$$$ on labor); it’s about buying something that I may never use again.
Is it just a matter of having the same tension on both sides? That can be done with no special/special tools.
Thanks,

Rocket Rob

You need the same tension and also a minimum tension. You can use a torque wrench to ensure that both sides are tensioned the same but I'm not sure how you know if you have sufficient tension.

Note: These are the tensioners that I used my second time. They are significantly cheaper than the factory tools. https://www.stomskiracing.com/produc...ain-tensioners

No affiliation.

MA7008O

Thanks.
OK. If there is a minimum tension that is unknown…..
I’ll look into those. They have some nice hardware for very good prices.

Rocket Rob

My thinking is that the minimum tension is needed to ensure that no slack is in the chains that may affect your timing settings.

crg53

You can fab up a couple of chain tensioners yourself for less than $20. Use the gasket as a template, and cut and drill the base plate, it can be any shape, as long as the stud and centre hole line up. Go to you favourite hardware store and pick up a couple of long nuts and some ready rod, weld the nuts to the base plate and cut the rod to required lengths, and you have yourself a couple of chain tensioners. Make sure to add something to protect the chain ramp, where the ready rod makes contact, or you may damage the hole where the hydraulic tensioners rest.

txhokie4life

Buy it than pass it along.... Someone else will be in your position and
saving a few $ will be worth it to them and you'll get most of your $$ back.

Mike

MA7008O

Thanks all of you for the ideas and support, very much appreciated.
I’ll think about it and see you a finally do. I have time, since I still have to drop the engine……
Thanks again

robt964

In my experience buying the correct tool for the job, even if used only once is ALWAYS the most effective / least hassle way. As you've already said, if you're prepared to do a job yourself, you've already saved on the labor. With that in mind there aren't many jobs where buying the tools doesn't work out cost effective over paying somebody to do it (necessary skills aside).

MA7008O

You are absolutely right.
The right tools make most of the time the difference.
Thanks for the remainder.