need verification about replacing cam

[8v-of-fury]

Unless you have a badly marred crescent wrench, then i see no reason why two perfectly flat surfaces should have issue together?

[nathan_b]

Although that may be true, I am saying that it is an avoidable, unnecessary risk.

[Mark(The Miser)UK]

Well either way this is a perfect example to you in the future of why to not use the cam lock when your tightening or loosening the cam sprocket bolt. Instead use a large adjustable wrench on one of the cam lobes.
I would also shine a light or poke a wire down the drains of the motor to see if there isn't any chunks stuck up in there.

Definitely pull the pan for sure.

I think it would be better to use vice grips on the raw casting of the cam instead of on the lobes.

You dont use a vice on crank journals to remove the timing gear do you?
(extreme example, but you get my point, hardened metals should not fight)

Absolutely.

 With my engine; I undo with a wrench on the bolt, and then a sharp tap with a 2lb hammer always works.Tightening with same procedure.
Mind you though I never overgraunch this bolt in the first place, because I always clean to a 'matt finish' both sides of  the taper.
When the fitting is good even finger tight has some grip.
'CAD'-man's tap on the bolt head before final tightening is a good policy too.

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

Vice grip on the cam casting to tighten the cam sprocket nut? I'be be worried of it slipping and gouging the head. Make or buy a sprocket lock tool. Long piece of angle iron and 2 big bolts. The scissor type is the best design since it self adjusts to the holes in the sprocket.

[nathan_b]

Vice grip on the cam casting to tighten the cam sprocket nut? I'be be worried of it slipping and gouging the head. Make or buy a sprocket lock tool. Long piece of angle iron and 2 big bolts. The scissor type is the best design since it self adjusts to the holes in the sprocket.

Not to tighten/loosen the nut, just for fine movement of the cam. Always use a pulley counterhold. Gripping the cam risks snapping it.

[silentdub]

Wouldn't that throw off the balance of the shaft and cause vibration and premature wear/failure?

[nathan_b]

if bending pulleys were an issue, they wouldnt have you knock it loose with a drift.

Also, They seem to be cast? (maybe wrong) but they seem like they would fracture long before they would bend.

plus they are just tough and over engineered.

[rs899]

Someone gave me a complete (hydro) engine and the cam looks like this one.  I was afraid to use it ( hydro cams are in short supply south of the border), but looks like it's a pretty even split of opinions.