What exactly is the cam lock tool needed for?

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 26 Oct 2010, 11:54

Is it essential for a motor that has VVT? I dont really understand why it is needed. If I set the cam gears to their marks, and mark the pulleys relative to the cams that would do it. What am I missing?

Post by **tjts1** » 26 Oct 2010, 14:27

Its not needed. Use some whiteout to draw a line across the timing belt at each sprocket and the sprocket itself. Remove the old belt and transfer the marks onto the new belt. Double check by counting the teeth between the marks. Then just line up the new belt with the marks you just drew on your cam and crank sprockets. Piece of cake and it works just as well on both VVT and non VVT engines.

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 26 Oct 2010, 16:19

Sounds good, thanks. One major omission on my part, sorry.

What if the head is coming off?

Post by **JDS60R** » 26 Oct 2010, 17:46

Whne installing or setting the VVT units onto the cams you have to hold them steady and apply 90 ft/lbs of torque. You can get away without it for most other operations.

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 26 Oct 2010, 19:14

OK so what im interpeting is that i wont need to lock the cams when I am taking the head off, but its a really good idea when im putting it back together...Correct?

Post by **JDS60R** » 26 Oct 2010, 23:18

Unless you are taking the VVT unit off the cams you can get away without it. Its easier with it ,but not by too much.

Just leave your pulleys on the cams and if you have VVT mark the position of the pulley and the position of the cam after you release the VVT pressure.

If you don't have VVT I would try it without it and leave the pulleys on the cams -making sure to mark the tops of the cams.

Post by **Red-Arrow** » 30 Oct 2010, 17:10

If your removing the head then just cable tie the cams together and mark them as well for good measure.

Post by **JimBee** » 30 Oct 2010, 19:28

Check out this excellent MVS tutorial. You won't have any problems.
Volvo 5-cylinder: How to Replace the Head Gasket

toddv850glt · Post by **toddv850glt** » 02 Nov 2010, 18:31

U used a cam lock tool that I made myself kinda on that is avail from IPD. When doing a Timing belt change u will realize that the tool makes it so worth it

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 03 Nov 2010, 12:20

Thanks guys, I got the cams and the head off. Think ill make a cam lock tool like whats shown in the N/A guide linked here, I'm going to have to reset the VVT for sure from the looks of it....