I'm a bit confused on the locking of the cams in order to drop the transmission and change the IMS. My car is a 2000 tiptronic and the workshop manual doesn't mention this when outlining transmission removal. In fact the crankshaft needs to be unpinned and rotated to access all of the Torque Converter bolts.
What exactly am I missing here?

 

The cams don't need to be locked until after transaxle removal. The cams are to be locked before you start removing tensioners in prep for the IMS removal.

 

OK, so the tensioners need to be loosened to keep the timing chain from moving, correct?

 

Pin the crank, remove chain tensioners (keep track of where they go back to they are different), removed ims cover etc...

 

You forgot one step, lock the cam... Here are the LN engineering's steps..

http://lnengineering.com/files/IMSR-...n-Warranty.pdf

 

Once the transaxle is removed and you are ready to start the IMS procedure, pin the crank (as stated in a previous post) at TDC, then lock the cams, mark where the cams are aligned in case, then pull the tensioners.

 

You are right, I left that step out. I figured since Chicago was addressing it it was covered, should not have omitted "Lock the Cams!"

 

Uhmmmm.....the OP should find someone that know a bit more about cars or this will quickly turn into a disaster. He is asking questions that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

 

Don't worry he's got a Sham-WoW ! Go get 'em Vince

 

Yes very scary. A running engine may become scrap due to IMSB hysteria. Would a self induced failure be included in the "IMSB" failed category?

 

Way to troll. Well done to the both of you.

 

Vince, I hate to tell you but I had the exact same reaction as Imo when I read your questions. Please don't take this wrong but to get into this engine and replace the IMS you REALLY need to know what you are doing and, as important, why.
It's no crime to not have this down but this would be one instance where you should either not touch it or pay someone to do it. This will end badly to attempt this without a clear understanding of the what and why.

 

I would agree, and having done cam timing on valve interference engines on the 3 F-cars that I own numerous times for the past 20 years, I'd say that I'm pretty much capable. However this is a P-car and my questions are more or less meant as probing questions, as I am new to the brand. Not "how do you do this..."
Its hard to interpret tone and even intention in the written word, but when you see remarks like dporto's, well then you understand why those who actually have something to contribute to this forum don't always stick around. IMO

 

Sounds like you are capable so take your time and read up on this. There is a ton of info, how to's, how not to's, etc in this forum and elsewhere.

 

way off topic...is that you draggin elbows/shoulders on the bike