Triumphrat

Aussiematt · 07-11-2009, 08:37 PM

Currently in the process of removing my cams. I am trying to unbolt the bolts on the cam caps. I remember Prop once wrote he found them "F... tight". I cannot believe how tight they are. I have twisted my star drive socket trying to undo the bolts. My socket isn't some el cheapo socket but Sidchrome which should not twist. I know what some of you are thinking and no I am undoing them, not tightening them. Have others found the cam cap bolts real tight?? I am undoing the bolts gradually in a cris-cross manner...any other suggestions?

sweatmachine · 07-11-2009, 09:31 PM

yes they get tight! I use a good torx bit and a breaker bar if they're really tight.

rmak · 07-11-2009, 10:06 PM

Sweat's right, get the best star bit you can. I wasted two average ones getting the cams out the first time. I even questioned the torque figures for tightening cause I thought there's no way these are at 10nm. Follow the loosening procedure in the manual because they are under spring tension from the valve springs. Go easy on those banjo bolts on re-assembly, they twist apart easily.

sweatmachine · 07-11-2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmak

Follow the loosening procedure in the manual because they are under spring tension from the valve springs.

not at TDC

propforward · 07-11-2009, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussiematt

I remember Prop once wrote he found them "F... tight".

That is the precise level of tightness they are at. I couldn't believe it either - saw 10Nm spec, figured they'd be easy enough to remove - nah ah - no way. I almost had to use the impact wrench.

rmak · 07-11-2009, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweatmachine

not at TDC

I found it to be so, but I've got a 270 so might be different. I know the Haynes manual had a big bold caution statement that if the caps aren't loosened and removed correctly, the valve tension could snap the cams. Since I can't afford to break one, I err on the side of caution.

PieMan · 07-11-2009, 11:25 PM

yep, that's how tight they are first time, I too twisted my star bit. But they're never that tight on subsequent removals. Must be a new engine expansion and contraction thing.

Aussiematt · 07-12-2009, 12:41 AM

Thx gents, relief to know I am not alone. In your opinions, what's the best quality tool brand in the US that I should shoot for when buying another star (torx) 30 socket? I am wanting to finish ripping out the cams tomorrow so I can post them on Monday....

propforward · 07-12-2009, 01:00 AM

The good quality craftsman ones from sears should do it.

sweatmachine · 07-12-2009, 02:22 AM

I have a Craftsman T30 that I've used on my bike and a few others with no issues.