What kind of sealant for the cam cover?

[BlackBart]

Ugh...just realized, with my testing of cleaners, that I have sprayed the timing paint paint marks off the top of the cover.

Will I have to start from scratch on cam timing?

Should have used a small triangle file and cut a mark.

[SuperHerman]

Maybe you get lucky and you can retrieve some information from a picture you took.

If not just follow the book procedure and confirm with stains on the cam gears. If you get confused watch some videos and post questions.

Unfortunate - but not that big an issue.

[erikv11]

The cam gears actually have timing marks stamped into them - you wouldn't need to search for any stains.

But since the cam cover is off best bet is to use the slots on the back of the cams, those are more meaningful than the marks on the cam gears. Be sure to get the crank on the mark before you reinstall the cams.

[BlackBart]

These are the VVT cams. Once at TDC, you have to mark the range of fore and aft timing limits with marks on the top of the cover.

I never cleaned the cams off, so the paint marks were still on the backs of the wheels - I put it back together with some oil on the cam journals, aligned the slots at the back of the cams, and marked the range with a scratch on the top cover.

But, swapping cams I'll have to learn to set them up correctly when reinstalling. The paper manual, and F250's DIY, are pretty good guides.

[SuperHerman]

Correct - the oil stains are for setting the VVT - putting it back where it started. If I recall it is three or four bolts that are adjustable due to elongated holes. If it worked before it will work again. This does assume as you point out you have properly set the correct position of the VVT(s). At the very least, if you go through the process (and actually understand the instructions) - the oil stains will confirm you did it right. If they do line up then you have done something wrong or a part is broken.

Swapping out cams should have no effect if you are using a like for like cam. All cams all machined to be the same.

[BlackBart]

Question on the head sealant -

Just how clean do those surfaces have to be? I've cleaned them, used gasket remover, citrus paint stripper, plastic scrapers, and brass tooth brushes. There is still that light brown staining where the oil passages run.

Stronger stripper? More scraping? Should I do any (plastic) scraping in the bearing journals?

[BlackBart]

New PCV system in place. It was never done by PO.

Color coded ipd vac lines while I can reach them....

Intake cleaned...

O-rings were hard and brittle...

Transferring VVT swing marks to new used camshaft. With the ruined cam loose, there's no way to get enough leverage on the timing wheel bolt, had to go to a shop with a big air gun. Before I pulled it off, I marked the full swing of the VVT on the oil hub area. It isn't much - a few degrees. Marked with one of the sprocket bolt ends on the back.

So I'm carefully measuring in halves of mm's from the oil holes, and putting those marks on the new cam. In theory that should put the cam timing right where it was.

[RickHaleParker]

Ugh...just realized, with my testing of cleaners, that I have sprayed the timing paint paint marks off the top of the cover.

Volvo Crankshaft Camshaft Cam Engine Alignment Timing Locking Tool Fixture Kit Locks the camshafts and crankshaft in the correct position then preloading the VVT is your only worry.

Just how clean do those surfaces have to be?
Run your clean finger tip over the stain. If you cannot feel the edge of the stain you are good to go.

[BlackBart]

Volvo Crankshaft Camshaft Cam Engine Alignment Timing Locking Tool Fixture Kit Locks the camshafts and crankshaft in the correct position then preloading the VVT is your only worry.

Yes... unless you have sheared off the bolt in the back of the cam, which prevents you from installing the tool until the new cam is in the head. I’m trying to get the VVT hub attached in the right place first.

Thanks -

[abscate]

Oh, that is such a Shinola day when that happens.

Memo to throw out the Chinesiumbolts on my cam tool so I am never tempted to use them again