cam cover "pull-down" tool?

Post by **rspi** » 04 Jul 2012, 05:10

Is the spark plug draw down took more like what Volvo mechanics use? Man, I would be afraid of messing up a spark plug hole using it do draw down the head top. I need to do this Thursday or Friday.

Post by **jimmy57** » 04 Jul 2012, 08:33

the volvo tools (2 of them) are screwed into spark plug holes.
They have a flat bar with a faint flange on ends. The ends push down on the ridge where the plastic cover rides.
The upper part is a threaded shaft with a ball bearing that pushes down on the pressing bar. Homemade all thread version needs no bearing as I hope your own car will not need its head installed repeatedly to the point you wear out your homemade version from lack of bearings on the pressing parts.

byeboy · Post by **byeboy** » 04 Jul 2012, 09:50

I see the logic, and, having time to spend, I'll go the spark plug route, with clamps as well, doing proper rotations and very slowly walking it on down, Why not do all five plug holes? I can easily make up a plate or bars (can't tell which would be best right now, my head is in the machine shop), as I am a metal Artist, and have the right equipment to do a decent job.

When I did my 245 wagon, pretty much front-=to-rear, the Brick Forum was very active, and I was able to borrow a homemade tool for the rear control arm bushings from another forum member, basically by just sending him a very small amount ($10.00??) to cover his materials and shipping...'never got to use it, but I had all the parts, and had already done all the bushings up front, when I sold the car all that stuff went with it..One of those I wish I had kept. It was a 5 speed, which is rare, and rust free Texas Wagon (sniff, sniff)..Oh well...but I;m thinking I'll loan my "new " tool out if it comes out well.

Post by **j_cd** » 04 Jul 2012, 10:16

I think I'll just go the clamp route. What kind of sick, masochistic car company wants you to fabricate tools?

Post by **erikv11** » 04 Jul 2012, 11:39

I've done this three times, once with clamps and twice by just drawing the cover down with the bolts. Every time it sealed perfectly and nothing was damaged. A big key is to make sure both surfaces are completely clean before the gasket goes on. Even holding the cams to the cover is optional, but having done that both ways I would recommend making a tool. Anyway, using clamps is easier but using just the cover bolts works fine if you are CAREFUL and make sure the cover stays flat. It also takes forever and the biggest problem is remembering which bolt you are on in the sequence, inside to outside. That's a lot of bolts.

No matter what method you use, make sure the cover stays flat, goes down parallel to the head.

As mentioned, pulling the head is really easy, putting it back on is where you have to spend some time. Take your time and do it right.

Post by **jimmy57** » 04 Jul 2012, 12:37

"What kind of sick, masochistic car company wants you to fabricate tools?"

None of them. They want you to buy their tools $$$$$$$$

Special tools for engine work is common. Ford-Chevy-Dodge common.

trtvolvo · Post by **trtvolvo** » 06 Jul 2012, 21:03

I couldn't clear the spark plug body (wore out drill bits and saw blades) to insert a threaded rod. Also could not find a couple of spark plug air adapters (without buying full compression tester) so I discarded the idea for the pull-down tool. I also figured it the pull down tool only crossed the cover in two places (over plugs 1/5 or 2/4 depending on your preference) the cover couldn't be overly sensitive to slightly off tightening on the bolts as long as it went down fairly flat. So I skipped both tools (pull-down and cam lock) and just tightened down the cam cover bolts a little at a time ensuring the cover came down flat. No issues, just a little extra time on the bolts.

Post by **rspi** » 06 Jul 2012, 22:00

So you're done with the job? I bolted my head to the block about an hour ago. Going to install the cover tomorrow morning.

trtvolvo · Post by **trtvolvo** » 06 Jul 2012, 22:04

Yes. All done, all back together, no parts left over. Runs nicely.

Post by **j_cd** » 06 Jul 2012, 22:32

You guys are an inspiration. As soon as I get my garage cleaned out, I'm starting this job. It's too hot in my driveway, not gonna happen.

FWIW, my infamous neighbor says that using clamps defeats the purpose of tightening the bolts down in a star pattern, and risks warping the head. Me, I think I'm going to buy the cam tool on ebay for $170.

cam cover "pull-down" tool?

Re: cam cover "pull-down" tool?