I’ve done this job more than a few times and highly recommend using the OEM locking tool and OEM bolt, but I anticipate the question of “can the cam be changed without the camshaft-locking tool” will probably come up later here once the interested parties have reviewed the procedure. The short answer is yes, if fact, if you use an ARP camshaft bolt kit, the tool cannot be used. Without the tool, put screwdriver shafts in the front brake rotor veins on each side and use as brakes against the calipers, place the car in gear, mark the chain at the timing mark, and loosen the cam bolt. I’ve encountered a MINI with weak clutch grip that required a breaker bar and socket on the crankshaft bolt to assist in locking the cam chain. When installing an OEM bolt, always use a new, unused bolt, and clean the camshaft’s internal threads. The OE bolt is not specified to torque with lubrication like ARP’s bolt. I have a couple more tips not mentioned in the service manuals or TIS I’ll provide if any are interested.
I'm no mechanic as Nitrominis points out. I just enjoy working on cars, especially classics and newborns. I research and figure out a way of reaching the endzone. Guys like K-huevo and Nitrominis help out a bunch! Use the tool if you can. You local MINI dealer may be able to lone it to you if you're nice to them! Jeremy
Welcome to the M/A J-man. I think that you will like it here? :cornut: Jeremy has some great information and is extremely helpful to anyone!!
The "rules" state for every link to "that other site" you need to place 2 on there back to here. So how ya gonna pull that one off Lynn
Yes your correct. I will have it handled tonight. Hey doesn't a new recruit count for something? :lol: Ya :lol:
Off topic...but..some have said I should run a contest to see who can refer the most new members in x period of time. Personally, I think that is akin to buying subscribers and that is something I don't do on principle. The site needs to stand on it's own merits, not on hokey contests. Back to cam installs please....
OFF?*ON? Topic I have been referring many other forum members to view a couple of the threads that I have been posting on with regards to their interests in the subject matter. In this case mainly this *cam thread. IMO this forum will stand on its own and be very strong if it continues its direction thus far.:cornut:
Hi... its me!! Found this place, and thought I could learn a bit of stuff!! and maybe share a bit also.. I made a cam locking tool.. from stuff around the Garage.. but I agree.. it sure makes it an easyer job. Hi Ya'll Just me............................ Thumper
I looked at Helix, but philly is about 8hours from me. I tried Way Motor Works (Indy is about 5 hours, Atlanta is about 8) However, Ive communicated both by email and PM separately, but whenever I ask for a quote, I never got a response. Maybe they feel if I have to ask, I can't afford it. It is reassuring to hear that this job can be done by a competent mechanic, and not just by a MINI spec. I actually have a very knowledgeable mechanic in Ohio that did my Coilovers and BBK for free, and offered to install the cam for free as well. I just had reserves because he is not really familiar with MINIs, but it sounds like if I hand him my MINI, cam, and bentley, he should have no problems...
LOL... most all the SOHC cams are within the limits of most Mechanics.. there are a few issues that he will have to "discover" but if he has a book.. it is cake!! Need to lift the engine and remove the pass side engine mount ( 15 min) don't forget the cam sensor ( 5 min) and then is is just a cam replacement! The cam tensioner on the side of the block is just a PITA to reach... but again cake( see the above posts..) Having NEVER done one you can figure on 1.5 to 2.0 hours.. the technician should have no problems. Have fun and enjoy the cam!! Just me.............................. Thumper
I plan on doing it myself this summer once I get money... We'll see how that goes. (Keep you updated on what can go wrong.) lol
That's a niffty case, I would like to have the bracket tool for something else, but if you must lift the motor to put the support bracket on you might as well just use whatever is lifting the motor to begin with, the tensioner assembly tool is actually for installing the early model cranshaft pulley and is not suited for either the late model crankshaft vibration damper pulley or aftermarket versions; it doesn't even do the early model well.
Yeah Keith I just read about a poor guy on NAM having early to late crank pulley install problems. It pays to get the right tools from the get go; luckily these tools are not absolutely necessary for a cam swap. I've got some plate aluminum kicking around and may just make a cam sprocket holder next I'm in there. Jeremy