TDC/Cam align tool

[ESIrType?]

Yesterday I came up with an idea to make a tool to check if the cam is at the 12 o'clock position. I didn't want to have to go through the troubles of putting on a degree wheel and second guessing/eye balling the cam position doesn't always work. So I made a little device and my wife drew it out in CAD for me.

This is very simple to use for people who don't have an adjustable cam gear. This helps people from second guessing if the cam is in the factory position.

I made mine of 1/8" fiber board, but anything rigid will do when paste the printed piece to the board.

The idea is simple, when the cam is set to factory spec the dowel pin on the cam gear is at the 12 o'clock position.

 

1. Download the attached file _cam_align_tool.pdf) and print on heavy card stock or paste it to some 1/8'fiber board and cut to shape.

2. Remove the valve cover

3. Back off the CAM bolt enough to loosen the tension. You DO NOT want to back this out much and then turn the engine, you may cause damage. You want to only loosen it enough so that you can turn the bolt without turning the engine.

4. Bring the engine to TDC with the timing mark on the pulley

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m500/esirtype/Starion/2012-05-21_11-51-01_4541-1.jpg

5. Now back the cam bolt out so there is enough room to insert the printed tool.

6. The printed tool will go between the lock washer and the worm gear for the cam. Make sure the highlighted ends are resting on the top of the head where the valve cover sits.

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m500/esirtype/Starion/2012-05-21_11-51-49_853.jpg

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m500/esirtype/Starion/2012-05-21_11-54-07_5301.jpg

7. Hand tighten the cam bolt to secure the tool.

8. With then engine at TDC look down the center of the car through the sight window. Where the RED O is you should see the cam dowel pin. If you don't you're cam is either advanced or retarded. The red O should not be to the right or left of the sight, but center.

http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m500/esirtype/Starion/2012-05-21_11-53-16_729.jpg

9. Once you are at 12 o'clock tighten everything up and reinstall all pieces in reverse order.

 

Note if your cam is off, you can pull off the tool and cam bolt. Then work the chain on the gear 1 tooth at a time.

 

I hope this helps and simplifies installing the cam to factory spec. This should take the guess work out of it. Also if wanted I could have a batch of these laser cut in 1/8" steel for really cheap.

 

Please let me know if I missed something or if you have comments.

 

Shawn

cam_align_tool.pdf

Edited May 21, 2012 by ESIrType?