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Thread: Stupid Cam Bolts

  1. #1
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    Stupid Cam Bolts

    Well, I tossed my trashed timing belt because I didn't know any better. What's the cheapest way to hold these stupid gears locked? New timing belt?

  2. #2
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    http://www.company23.com/subarutools

    Probably the best. Maybe not the cheapest.

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    Thanks. That's better than the 200 bucks I thought I'd have to spend after reading some threads on NASIOC and elsewhere.

  4. #4
    Senior Member fastzrex's Avatar
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    Yes, those cam bolts are a real pain. I tried various Internet solutions (other than the one which used a 36" pipe wrench on the cam sprocket!) and was not successful. I purchased the Company23 tools through eBay and Amazon, a solid 10mm Allen socket (I broke two cheap ones; use a Allen socket which is a single unit, I found several on Amazon). I still used a 4 foot cheater bar on the Company23 tools to break them loose with a 'bang'; other than the creaking noise as they were turned it was no drama. It was scary, and I had someone help me to make sure the tools stay engaged! My impact tools (including a 3/4 drive with a 1000 ft/pound rating) did not budge them. Someone was successful with a 1" drive impact tool (so they say) with a 1500 ft/pound rating.

    I was also going to try drilling the heads off the bolts (or slice them off with a die grinder). I tested with a drill and it would also be difficult as the head seemed to be very hard.
    Last edited by fastzrex; 03-20-2017 at 11:17 AM.
    ~ Mark

    818C S/N 429ES: Start Date 1 September 2016
    2001 NB Miata LS3 V8 440 rwhp
    2004 Miata MazdaSpeed Factory Turbo

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    Senior Member Bob_n_Cincy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by fastzrex View Post
    Yes, those cam bolts are a real pain. I tried various Internet solutions (other than the one which used a 36" pipe wrench on the cam sprocket!) and was not successful. I purchased the Company23 tools through eBay and Amazon, a solid 10mm Allen socket (I broke two cheap ones; use a Allen socket which is a single unit, I found several on Amazon). I still used a 4 foot cheater bar on the Company23 tools to break them loose with a 'bang'; other than the creaking noise as they were turned it was no drama. It was scary, and I had someone help me to make sure the tools stay engaged! My impact tools (including a 3/4 drive with a 1000 ft/pound rating) did not budge them. Someone was successful with a 1" drive impact tool (so they say) with a 1500 ft/pound rating.

    I was also going to try drilling the heads off the bolts (or slice them off with a die grinder). I tested with a drill and it would also be difficult as the head seemed to be very hard.
    Turn In Concepts make a kit to prevent this problem in the future.

    http://turninconcepts.com/tic-fu-cam...-non-avcs.html
    Bob
    818S #22 Candy Blue Frame, Front Gas Tank, 2.5L Turbo, Rear radiator, Shortened Transmission, Wookiee Compatible, Console mounted MR2 Shifter, Custom ECU panel, AWIC soon
    My Son Michael's Turbo ICE Build X22 http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...rts-818S-Build
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  6. #6
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    I use a 28mm wrench on the cam itself and have had great luck breaking them loose. This definitely requires two people however.

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    Quote Originally Posted by iblackwe View Post
    I use a 28mm wrench on the cam itself and have had great luck breaking them loose. This definitely requires two people however.
    On the cam itself? That thing is hollow, and round all the way down. Nothing to grab onto except a lobe. I read that some of the engines (2.0?) have a notch to grab with a wrench. Sadly, mine does not.

    Quote Originally Posted by fastzrex View Post
    Yes, those cam bolts are a real pain. I tried various Internet solutions (other than the one which used a 36" pipe wrench on the cam sprocket!) and was not successful. I purchased the Company23 tools through eBay and Amazon, a solid 10mm Allen socket (I broke two cheap ones; use a Allen socket which is a single unit, I found several on Amazon). I still used a 4 foot cheater bar on the Company23 tools to break them loose with a 'bang'; other than the creaking noise as they were turned it was no drama. It was scary, and I had someone help me to make sure the tools stay engaged! My impact tools (including a 3/4 drive with a 1000 ft/pound rating) did not budge them. Someone was successful with a 1" drive impact tool (so they say) with a 1500 ft/pound rating.

    I was also going to try drilling the heads off the bolts (or slice them off with a die grinder). I tested with a drill and it would also be difficult as the head seemed to be very hard.
    My problem is that I still haven't managed to lock the cams in place.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Bob_n_Cincy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by turbomacncheese View Post
    On the cam itself? That thing is hollow, and round all the way down. Nothing to grab onto except a lobe. I read that some of the engines (2.0?) have a notch to grab with a wrench. Sadly, mine does not.

    My problem is that I still haven't managed to lock the cams in place.
    I have changed timing belts 4 or five times using nothing but small tools. Two people help. One to point each cam,(one at a time) while the other person puts on the belt.

    Do you have the service manual showing how to do this?
    Bob
    Last edited by Bob_n_Cincy; 03-21-2017 at 02:22 AM.
    818S #22 Candy Blue Frame, Front Gas Tank, 2.5L Turbo, Rear radiator, Shortened Transmission, Wookiee Compatible, Console mounted MR2 Shifter, Custom ECU panel, AWIC soon
    My Son Michael's Turbo ICE Build X22 http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...rts-818S-Build
    My Electric Supercar Build X21 (on hold until winter) http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...e-Build-Thread

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    SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO after re-reading my first post, it's painfully UNCLEAR that I'm trying to remove the cam gears, not change the timing belt. Sorry folks. This is the engine out of an insurance wreck. Came with a shredded belt. I should have kept it (but didn't know better) and instead trashed it (threw it away). Now I need to disassemble the engine to rebuild it, and I'm stuck at the heads.

  10. #10
    Sgt.Gator's Avatar
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    When you eventually destroy the head of a cam bolt and are left thinking the only way now is to drill it.....

    "Good Judgement comes from Experience. Experience comes from Bad Judgement"
    Owner: Colonel Red Racing
    eBAy Store: http://stores.ebay.com/colonelredracing
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    Senior Member STiPWRD's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by turbomacncheese View Post
    SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO after re-reading my first post, it's painfully UNCLEAR that I'm trying to remove the cam gears, not change the timing belt. Sorry folks. This is the engine out of an insurance wreck. Came with a shredded belt. I should have kept it (but didn't know better) and instead trashed it (threw it away). Now I need to disassemble the engine to rebuild it, and I'm stuck at the heads.
    The website in post #2 shows you where to get the tool to remove the cam bolts. The tool is different depending on your year (that's why there's a few different options) but it allows you to hold the cam gear still while you remove the bolt with either an impact gun or a 10mm allen socket and breaker bar. Once you get the bolt off, the cam gear will slide right off.

    This cam gear tool is a real life saver. I used one to remove the cam gears on my 02 wrx (equivalent to subaru p/n 499207400).

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    Quote Originally Posted by Sgt.Gator View Post
    When you eventually destroy the head of a cam bolt and are left thinking the only way now is to drill it.....

    Ha, I saw this, and I have a welder. Might come in handy once I get a tool to help me strip the bolt, lol.

    Quote Originally Posted by STiPWRD View Post
    The website in post #2 shows you where to get the tool to remove the cam bolts. The tool is different depending on your year (that's why there's a few different options) but it allows you to hold the cam gear still while you remove the bolt with either an impact gun or a 10mm allen socket and breaker bar. Once you get the bolt off, the cam gear will slide right off.

    This cam gear tool is a real life saver. I used one to remove the cam gears on my 02 wrx (equivalent to subaru p/n 499207400).
    Yeah, that reply was spot on, but some of the others made me want to clarify my intent.

  13. #13
    Senior Member AZPete's Avatar
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    Tony, I've been following your battle and remembered this pic of "Wayne Presley vs Cam Bolt" several years ago. Yeah, they are tight!
    Wayne vs cam bolt.jpg
    818S/C : Chassis #25 with 06 WRX 2.5 turbo, ABS, cruise, PS, A/C, Apple CarPlay, rear camera, power windows & locks, leather & other complexities. Sold 10/19 with 5,800 miles.
    Mk3 Roadster #6228 4.6L, T45, IRS, PS, PB, ABS, Cruise, Koni's, 17" Halibrands, red w/ silver - 9K miles then sold @ Barrett-Jackson Jan 2011 (got back cash spent).

  14. #14
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    ha, looks like he got lucky and had a cam with a notch in it. Say, you don't have an old timing belt anywhere, do ya?

  15. #15
    Senior Member AZPete's Avatar
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    Nope. Possibly ask a Subaru dealer shop?
    818S/C : Chassis #25 with 06 WRX 2.5 turbo, ABS, cruise, PS, A/C, Apple CarPlay, rear camera, power windows & locks, leather & other complexities. Sold 10/19 with 5,800 miles.
    Mk3 Roadster #6228 4.6L, T45, IRS, PS, PB, ABS, Cruise, Koni's, 17" Halibrands, red w/ silver - 9K miles then sold @ Barrett-Jackson Jan 2011 (got back cash spent).

  16. #16
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    That company 23 tool and a breaker bar saved me for sure. 1000ft/lbs gun didn't touch it, but steady pressure sure worked. I'd recommend having a helper if possible though, it was very tough solo.
    FFR Build Status: Reset button hit
    '03 Subaru Impreza eSi RHD...because Japan

  17. #17
    Senior Member fastzrex's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bob_n_Cincy View Post
    Turn In Concepts make a kit to prevent this problem in the future.

    http://turninconcepts.com/tic-fu-cam...-non-avcs.html
    Bob
    Too bad these are for non-AVCS engines. Maybe someone will come up with bolts for the single and dual AVCS cams.
    ~ Mark

    818C S/N 429ES: Start Date 1 September 2016
    2001 NB Miata LS3 V8 440 rwhp
    2004 Miata MazdaSpeed Factory Turbo

  18. #18
    Senior Member fastzrex's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by turbomacncheese View Post
    ha, looks like he got lucky and had a cam with a notch in it. Say, you don't have an old timing belt anywhere, do ya?
    I have a used cam belt I will send you for cost of postage. Please PM me with your address, I will find cheapest way (probably USPS flat rate), and send a message back.

    In my circumstance, all the timing belt "solutions" for bolt removal from YouTube just did not work. There was just too much compliance between the belt/pulleys to really get good leverage. In my opinion, the Company23 tools (with a solid 10mm allen with 1/2" socket) are the best (and safest) method for really stubborn bolts. If these tools will not remove them, then cut the heads off with a die grinder; the rest of the bolt will come out easy when the cam sprocket is removed. Cutting or drilling the bolts will be a long, careful process.
    ~ Mark

    818C S/N 429ES: Start Date 1 September 2016
    2001 NB Miata LS3 V8 440 rwhp
    2004 Miata MazdaSpeed Factory Turbo

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by fastzrex View Post
    Too bad these are for non-AVCS engines. Maybe someone will come up with bolts for the single and dual AVCS cams.
    They make them for both:
    http://turninconcepts.com/engine/tic...ngle-avcs.html

    http://turninconcepts.com/engine/tic...dual-avcs.html

    The only problem with them is the Company 23 cam lock that makes the timing belt install easier only works with the OEM allen heads. I fiddled around a bit trying to figure out how to adapt the Company 23 tool to work with hex head bolts like the TIC FU bolts but never finished up how to do it.
    http://www.company23.com/subarutools/506

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWepM-PVe9o
    Last edited by Sgt.Gator; 03-24-2017 at 12:06 PM.
    "Good Judgement comes from Experience. Experience comes from Bad Judgement"
    Owner: Colonel Red Racing
    eBAy Store: http://stores.ebay.com/colonelredracing
    818R ICSCC SPM
    2005 Subaru STI Race Car ICSCC ST and SPM
    Palatov DP4 - ICSCC Sports Racer

  20. #20
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    I have the Company 23 tool, they work great.

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    Well, after breaking my strap wrench I stopped and considered some options. I jimmied up a makeshift strap wrench with an old accessory belt and a pair of vice grips, stuck a shovel handle over my breaker bar, and both of the intake bolts came loose. The exhaust were tough, and I thought I was going to break my shovel (fiberglass). Even keeping some pressure on it and smacking the bolt with a chisel/hammer didn't budge it. I figured two bolts cost a lot less than a tool that only does one thing (my least favorite kind) so I started drilling. I thought I'd have to break the head of the bolt off to remove the gear, but my drill bit was JUST small enough that it didn't booger up the allen shape. After getting about 3/4 of an inch in, I stuck my wrench back on it hoping to snap the bolt, and it broke loose. Threaded right out. Same with the other side. So now I'm down two bolts, but the gears are off (one of which was smashed in the accident anyway). The bolts are still intact, but have a hole where the wrench goes. Not sure why I could turn them all of a sudden. Interesting, that.

  22. #22
    Senior Member AZPete's Avatar
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    Congrats on clearing another hurdle! It's all these little successes that make the build so much fun.
    818S/C : Chassis #25 with 06 WRX 2.5 turbo, ABS, cruise, PS, A/C, Apple CarPlay, rear camera, power windows & locks, leather & other complexities. Sold 10/19 with 5,800 miles.
    Mk3 Roadster #6228 4.6L, T45, IRS, PS, PB, ABS, Cruise, Koni's, 17" Halibrands, red w/ silver - 9K miles then sold @ Barrett-Jackson Jan 2011 (got back cash spent).

  23. #23
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    Well, I like wrenching. Always have. But I can understand where people get frustrated. Stupid cam bolt that doesn't want to come loose unless you have special tools, and now the head bolts are TWELVE POINT. Who the heck has 12-point sockets any more? Just got back from the store, coughing up $4 so I can go play some more.

    I wasn't going to try drilling those out, lol.

  24. #24
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    20170325_125537.jpg20170325_170238.jpg20170325_170249.jpg20170325_170254.jpg

    Here are a couple pictures showing how I drilled the cam bolt. As for that 14mm socket, had to get the shovel back out. First head came off, no problem. Looked all kinds of nasty. Never seen clumps of carbon buildup like that.

    Second head, well. I'd like to take a moment to say out loud how f'd up Subaru was for using 12 damned point sockets on anything with that much torque. Three headbolts, stripped bolt heads. FML. I'd like to blame the socket, but it wasn't even the last three. B, D, and F following the sequence in the manual. And what pisses me off the most? I got the first pop on ALL of them. Should have been easy going from there. Tried grinding them to clean metal and welding some nuts on, but i couldn't get any penetration and they popped right off. Tried my drill trick and they barely scratched the bolts. Looks like I'm headed for some bolt extractors. Next build will have a small block, because F this garbage.

  25. #25
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    And to top it off, just as I was trying to plot a course of revenge...I mean action... I took a huge drink from the bottom of my coffee cup and it was all coffee grounds. So F the Keurig cups, too. Way to end the night. I totally can't wait until I'm ready to put together shiny new parts.

  26. #26
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    Got my extractors from Harbor Freight. Wouldn't you know it, since the bolts are 12 point, the 14mm extractor was just a little too small. Go figure. And what size doesn't come with the set? 15mm, of course. Well, nothing I can't solve with a BFH. Put an extension in the extractor and went to town with my air chisel. Gave it a couple dozen good whacks with the BHF to make sure it didn't wiggle loose. Final count? Me: 3, headbolts: 0. Pretty sure that extractor is garbage now, though.

    Came across these at HF. Might have worked better than a 12 point.
    20170326_101447.jpg

  27. #27
    Senior Member fastzrex's Avatar
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    Nice, straight drillin'! Success is always sweet. My head bolts also started out well, then became difficult, but all finally came out. In previous research, I was not real sure I liked the idea of bolts this long, in this diameter, heated in a block for many miles, with this amount of torque. After the experience of actually removing them, I purchased ARP (same thread size as the stock bolts) head studs to install in place of the bolts. Makes more sense to me to only apply tension for the torque sequence.
    ~ Mark

    818C S/N 429ES: Start Date 1 September 2016
    2001 NB Miata LS3 V8 440 rwhp
    2004 Miata MazdaSpeed Factory Turbo

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    For sure, I'm DEFINITELY going with studs.

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