this is the second time i've tightened an EJ cam shaft sprocket after installing everything and the cam sprocket slipped inside the timing belt.

 

what do you all do to properly torque it without slipping?

 

funny how i've always loosened the bolts and never had them slip when loosening them. but somehow when trying to tighten....click...CRAP!

GG,

 

Not sure how you're doing it but I have them tight before installing the belt.

 

I use 3 of those pliers/clamps - one on the crank (with a piece of old TB on the bottom so as to be easy on the splines), and one on each cam pulley.

 

Line up the lines on the belt with the appropriate notches and install the clamps. This will stop the belt from jumping. You don't care if they move a little since the belt will stay matched up when things tighten up later.

 

FYI on 2.2's particularly I usually add that bottom idler last to tighten up the belt. Then pull the pin on the tensioner. Sometimes on 2.5's it seems like a lot of times I put the one immediately before the crank on last. I'm hoping to develop a firm pattern but sometimes each of them seem to have their own personality.

 

Dave

Edited February 5, 200917 yr by davebugs
typing errors and additional content

cool thanks dave. i have 2 vice grips and a clamp, i might be able to do that tonight. and i'll get some more clamps for later.

You don't want to use the belt to hold the cam sprocket. I don't know how much the factory tool is, but all you need is something with two pins that would fit in the gaps in the center part of the pulley to keep it from turning, as that is pretty much what the factory tool is.

i think i'm down for fabricating something next time. good call, something i should have done a long time ago.

 

i used a rubber strap wrench this time, it held enough to hit the 60 ftlbs necessary. but it was like weight lifting of course trying to torque it and hold it!

You don't want to use the belt to hold the cam sprocket. I don't know how much the factory tool is, but all you need is something with two pins that would fit in the gaps in the center part of the pulley to keep it from turning, as that is pretty much what the factory tool is.

 

I got it from subaru spx... it cost me $95.98 or $98.95 including shipping to Alaska.

 

I heard that you can use rubber strap wrench to hold the cam.

 

Vincent

I use a section of an old timing belt an go around the crank gear to the Cam Gear and clamp the TB loop in the middle with a vise grips. Works great, Free Tool.

Ohh the dreaded slippage. I use a Craftsmen rubber strap wrench.

If you want a tool to hold the cam pulley while tightening I bought the Lisle tool and use it with some success. I really think it's defective in that I can't really stop the adjustment by tightening the 2 allen set screws.

 

Would have been too easy if the tools I had made for 2.2 and 2.5 harmonic balancers would have worked.

 

But I always have the cam sprockets installed before installing the TB.

 

I had an updated tool made for the 2.5 harmonic balancer and will probably be having an updated design for the 2.2 made soon. I have a retired welder make them. Usually we just swap some work. But I can probably get them made for about 50 bucks plus shipping if I had to guess.

 

If anyone may want one PM me and I'll send you a pic of my 2.5 tool and my prototype 2.2 tool. Or if anyone has a better source let me know.

 

I may see about havng him make me a cam pulley tool as well.

 

Dave