How Difficult To Change A Cam Yourself

[Gtiracer 0]

As the title really, how hard for a relatively novice mechanic. How long would this take, what are the risks, is it worth risking it. What to look out for common mistakes etc

 

I have never done anything this in depth before - i can quite happily service the car myself but want to tackle new things, if its not advisable then i wont attempt it but i do like to have a go myself normally.

[boombang 2]

Most common mistake it loosening off one nut at a time on the cam covers, rather than spiralling and doing each bit by bit.

 

Ditto with refit - little at a time.

 

Also once fitted, you need to bed the cam in at 2'500RPMish for 20 mins.

[Ahl 4]

Like boombang said.

 

Also make sure that all of the pulleys are dowelled into position and that you are careful when undoing the cam pulley. You don't want to be hitting your valves off the pistons.

[j_turnell 137 3 Cars]

You will more than likely need to re-shim the head if your replacing the cam as the valve clearances will probably be out, this is pretty time consuming and you need to be able to measure accurately.

[boombang 2]

On the Mis, you can reface the lifter tops with some very very fine wet and dry - just use good practise and put them back into where removed from. Give them a strip and clean, then fill back up with oil to prime them.

 

When fit the cams, use a liberal amount of cam lube, tighten down very slowly in a position as said above where you won't be getting any clash - basically put them as close to timed up position as possible.

 

Once sorted and together, belt the engine and time up.

Next I always would say turn the engine over by hand (bar + socket, not literally by hand!) on the crank two full rotations to make sure there is no clash at all.

 

The Mis can be a pain to get cambelt just right, but so long as you take your time and double check everything you should be fine.

 

I would certainly use new belts, waterpumps and tensioners too.

 

Basically, if you are happy doing cambelt swap, then I say go for it!

[boombang 2]

You will more than likely need to re-shim the head if your replacing the cam as the valve clearances will probably be out, this is pretty time consuming and you need to be able to measure accurately.

 

This is true - can be a real pain. If it is an Mi no worries as you have hydraulics.

[Gtiracer 0]

mmm maybe ill leave it to the experts then, not as simple as i thought and at least i know they;ll get the job right without installing the cam the wrong way round or something

[Baz 421]

It isn't that difficult, but something i'd rather have someone to at least advise/check over my shoulder if i was in your position Alex.

[DrSarty 90 1 Cars]

without installing the cam the wrong way round or something

 

As I notice you have an Mi, THAT^^ would be a most impressive feat as it's impossible.

 

Consider doing it yourself with reference to the Haynes manual and the original Citroen workshop guide I've attached for you. It's not really hard at all, just perhaps a little awqward in a 205 getting good access to the cam belt & tensioners; but still do-able.

 

Rich

 

EDIT: Sometimes this forum grips my s*it! It won't let me attach a 366kb PDF file saying some crap about size. I thought size wasn't important. Anyway, if you or anyone else wants this doc just list your e-mail address here and I'll send it to you.

Edited June 18, 2007 by DrSarty

[sorr 0]

I found changing the cam really easy when the engine was out of the car (Mi16). However, when I had to do it in the car I had reall issues due to space. I had to give up and call in the slim handed Anthony as my fat fists were not mobile enough to be sure the tensioning was correct.

 

What I would say is the changing of cam part is really easy (just follow the Haynes manual) the setting of timimg belt tension may be worth getting done by someone with experience.