93 Camry Intake Cam Sprocket *URGENT!!*

[CaliAuto909]

I'm at the final stage of removing the cylinder head off a 93 Camry, but the intake cam sprocket kinda slowed, actually stopped, my momentum and progress, and I need to get this done early tomarrow.

I tried loosening the sprocket bolt (w/ liquid wrench) to remove the sprocket to remove the intake camshaft, but it didn't budge at all.

QUESTIONS:
1. Which direction do I unscrew/loosen the sprocket bolt to remove the sprocket? Is it standard "righty tighty", "lefty loosey"......or is it reverse thread? I'm guessing standard, due to the rotation of the cams......'need to confirm this.

2.Is it possible to remove the camshaft w/ the sprocket and metal timing belt cover/guard all together, as one, off the head. I'v already tried......any tips?

Again, it's kind of an urgent matter. I've got to get this done early tomarrow (Fri.), and get the cylinder head to the shop before I leave town for the weekend.

Please, only urgent replies from members who have had experience w/ this
procedure......thanks!

[Luckynumber5]

If you look at the camshaft you will notice there is a hex portion on the one the sprocket bolts to. use a crescent wrench on this spot and hold on to it while you loosen the cam sprocket. The sprocket is threaded normally so lefty loosey applies.

REMEMBER: one of the cams has a split gear design and you need to find the threaded hole that lines up through each part of the gear, do not forget to put a matching bolt through that hole or you will end up with a noisy valvetrain when you reassemble the engine. The gear is spring loaded and is a huuuge pain to get back into position if you take the cam out without the holding bolt in place.

[CaliAuto909]

Originally Posted by Luckynumber5

A. If you look at the camshaft you will notice there is a hex portion on the one the sprocket bolts to. use a crescent wrench on this spot and hold on to it while you loosen the cam sprocket. The sprocket is threaded normally so lefty loosey applies.

B. REMEMBER: one of the cams has a split gear design and you need to find the threaded hole that lines up through each part of the gear, do not forget to put a matching bolt through that hole or you will end up with a noisy valvetrain when you reassemble the engine. The gear is spring loaded and is a huuuge pain to get back into position if you take the cam out without the holding bolt in place.

A. Yeah! I know exactly what you're talking about, and I can get pretty good leverage, but the bolt's on there pretty good.

B. The exhaust cam had the split gear, and I secured it with a matching bolt before removing it.