This happens easily actually, it happened to me too, except I installed the exhaust cam I believe 180 degrees out of phase and even managed to torque down the cam cover. It was only after the valve clearance check did I see the issue, luckily if you move the crank and turn the cam, it will go back without reinstallation.volvolugnut wrote: 15 May 2026, 08:51 I want to add some information on cam locking tool installation. When I did cam shaft seal replacement recently, I installed the CTA cam locking tool wrong. I mounted it with the center connecting bolt on the bottom side because this was how it seemed to align with the slots on the shafts. I wrongly thought the cams were locked so it did not matter that the tool was turned over. Problem is the cams are NOT properly aligned. I did not realize my error and completed the reassembly. I carefully turned off the engine with a wrench to check for valve interference.
The engine started and ran. Performance was off and a code P0027 was set.
I drove it this way a while and noticed fuel mileage dropped a few MPG. More reading indicated the exhaust VVT might be failing so I replaced it. No change and the P0027 returned.
I took things apart the check the cam shaft positions on the left end. No real surprise the cams were not in correct position. I correctly install the cam lock tool and corrected the cam sprocket positions.
After assembly, the engine runs fine, no codes set and performance is normal again.
A new tip for final adjustment of the VVT after the belt is installed: Loosen the 3 small adjustment screws on the hub and the internal spring will turn the hub. You can use a flat screw driver or brad puller to pry CLOCKWISE against one screw while tightening another screw. This process can get the final adjustment with all the slop out of the mechanisim. Confirm the pulley mark is still in correct position.
volvolugnut
