Hi Gang,

 

I have a 97 Legacy Outback 2.5 DOHC. Replaced left head gasket. The camshaft gear bolts were crazy tight and my method of removal caused the key slot in the cam gear to be widened a little. When I re-assembled, I turned the gears against the key in the direction the belt pulls them and torqued the bolts on. Car runs great but I'm having nightmares of the cam gear bolts working loose because of that "slop" in the keyway. Anyone think it will be OK or do I have to get new cam gears.

 

Also; as far as tightening and loosening the cam gear bolt; is it OK to torque this bolt (50+ ft-lbs) using only the timing belt to hold the gear from turning?

 

thanks all

 

Rich

If it was me I'd replace the gears. It's an interference engine and will bend valves if it goes.

I hold the sprockets with the old timing belt to loosen and tighten the bolts.

 

The Key slot is only for alignment purposes when installing and is not under any stress when the bolt is in place and tightened to proper torque spec. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Agreed - not an issue if the bolt is tight. The key does not "hold" anything - it's simply for alignment. If the bolt were too loose the key would chew up the front of the cam - I've seen it happen.

 

GD