How to Install Camshaft Timing

You don't have to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic in order to install camshaft timing. But you will need to carefully remove various mechanisms within the car in order to finish the job correctly, without damaging your engine. Regardless of whether you're changing your timing out of a desire for better performance or you're installing it due to cam malfunction, the procedure isn't difficult to complete.

Things You'll Need

  • Gasket sets
  • Engine oil
  • Screwdriver
  • Replacement camshaft
  • Harmonic balancer puller
  • Drain the coolant in your engine. Use the screwdriver to take out the radiator fan shroud. Take off the drive belts. Detach the radiator hoses from the water pump when the coolant is fully drained. Lift and take out the radiator. Remove the brackets that are attached to the water pump. Take out the belt pulleys on the crankshaft and water pump. Remove anything that is connected to the timing cover. Utilize the balancer remover to take off the balancer. Lift and take off the timing cover.

  • Unscrew the valve covers with your finger tips. Detach the valve covers. Take off the push rods then remove the intake manifold and carburetor. Detach then raise the camshaft lifters. Take off the timing chain and sprocket. Put back on the cam sprocket. Carefully push forward on the camshaft. Lift it from the engine block.

  • Put assembly lube liberally on the distributor gear. Also apply it to the bearing journal and cam lobe. Support the camshaft with both of your hands. Insert the camshaft back into the engine block. Put the name of the came into the timing sprocket. Rotate the camshaft to the right. Take out the cam sprocket. Put in the timing chain. Add more assembly lube to the center of the camshaft's lifters.

  • Put back in the engine mechanisms, but employ the reverse order utilized for disassembly. Use a brand new front seal for the timing cover. Use torque specs when tightening the bolts and fasteners. Change the oil. Start the engine.