Can you replace cam seals on a 2000 V70XC without a cam locker?

Post by **scot850** » 11 Oct 2018, 12:26

Is it possible to replace front and rear cam seal on a 2000 V70XC without a cam locking tool? If so how?

I heard mixed reviews about some of the cam locking tools available out in the market place. If one is needed are there any reasonably priced tools someone has used successfully for this job and would recommend it?

The cam sprockets are not adjustable are they? Are they not a fixed sprocket that is keyed in place and the cam adjustment is done by the VVT valve?

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 11 Oct 2018, 12:35

Looking on Ebay there are huge price differences on what look essentiall the same like these two:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Crankshaft-Cam ... 3583848867

and this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Camshaft-Cam-E ... 2609398877

How can one be 10 times more expensive on what looks the same? Then there is the one in the red box that also looks the same:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-Cranksha ... 3472117417

And there is then this version too although it does not ship to Canada from this supplier:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Engine-Timing- ... 3058808432

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **jimmy57** » 11 Oct 2018, 13:38

No keys on cams for gear location. This is common way it is done on many engines of many makes these days. The cam gear hub has a limited range to adjust so it has to be timed so the range is adequate in both directions for what the ECM will adjust it to. Yours will have a variable hub/gear on exhaust side with a return spring. The newer system uses a hub/gear with a locking pin and you move it to know it is locked or to allow it to lock and then it is installed on locked cam and secured in time.

Post by **scot850** » 11 Oct 2018, 13:59

So do you mean you don't need a locking tool or you do? This is not for a car I own, but a friend is looking at. I know the 2000 base V70 I had had a VVT on the exhaust side if I recall correctly, but my memory is not 100%. I know it is posiblt to swap the timimg belt without a cam locking tool, but not sure on replacing the cam seals.

Neil.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 11 Oct 2018, 15:24

The issue is removing and installing the VVT as it requires considerable force. One cannot get to the front seal without removing the VVT on that side (unless they take off the upper cam cover which is a huge amount of work and not worth it). The lock tool will hold the cams (and keep them timed) when the VVT is removed. One can fashion some angle iron and give it a go, I know when I tried the angle iron bent - the VVT takes some serious torque.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 11 Oct 2018, 16:25

Based on my recent dive into the timing belt shenanigans for my 2000 XC, I believe you do need the rear cam locker tool for the VVT engine if you are replacing the cam seals. I know a few others here are more well-versed in the topic than I am though.

Post by **scot850** » 11 Oct 2018, 16:29

Thanks guys. It would look like the consensus so far is you do need the rear cam locking to remove the VVT.

Based on that, then in my 2nd post with the list of locking tools, any suggestions on why the price variance and which is possibly best?

Neil.

Post by **jimmy57** » 11 Oct 2018, 16:31

Have to have locking tool on all white engines period. The engines without CVVT will not set codes for smaller errors but ones with CVVT have some fairly narrow range for the setup being wrong before codes set when engine is started cold and the maximum offset is desired.

Post by **scot850** » 11 Oct 2018, 16:35

Thanks Jimmy57. That was the line I was getting to based on your previous input and the other guys too.

If you have time could you look at the tools I listed earlier on ebay and let me know if any seem ok for an occasional user and not necessarily a Pro-mechanic?

Thanks again,

Neil.

Post by **jimmy57** » 11 Oct 2018, 17:05

The second and third look good to me. I have seen those price range at a tool show and they may be lesser quality and softer metal but looked totally great for someone who would be taking care of their own cars. The last one has several things I don't recognize but could be a different way to skin the same cat.