mkongsiri

I did mine with only one side locked (of the 4 times I had to redo it because of one thing or another). If one bank is locked, the engine will not be able to turn unless the chain is off. If you don't turn the crank while the chain is off, I don't see how you can lose TDC. I'm not lazy but if I don't have to go through all the hassle of pulling the other side, I probably wouldn't ;-) If you do lose timing on one side, pop the cover on the other and lock the cams. Then go back to the side that is off, position cams correctly, then lock them. The the engine will be back in correct timing. But I agree the safest bet is to lock both banks of cams.

4Driver4

True. But you do take the chain off to get the tensioner out.

Unless it moves due to valve springs or is accidentally moved. I'd rather take the extra 20 minutes to make sure the cams at least sync between banks.

But you may not find out that timing is off until you reassemble and start the car since you have no frame of reference.

Not saying your way doesn't work, it's just more risk than I would take.

mkongsiri

Agreed, I don't want to be responsible for anyone bending valves!

4Driver4

LOL.
That's always my worry. Never know how someone else will interpret my clear (clear to me, that is) instructions, so I always try to go somewhat fail safe on advice. YMMV.

Clevercrow

Hi can I still get those cam locks from you thanks clevercrow@hotmail.com

Cadillacby

Trying to replace tensioner and I'm stuck . I can't align holes on cams to use locking tool. No matter how I turn crankshaft the holes not facing straight up. What else can be done to fix it?

mkongsiri

Cams should be turning with crankshaft unless you've undone the chain. They will rotate 360 as the crank does. Is it you don't see the holes? are they out of alignment? are the cams turning? are they out of sync? What exactly do you mean by they are not facing up?

Cadillacby

Yes. It does turn. But I can't install cam locking tool, I can't align them properly so the holes are upright( if one of them upright, another one angled little bit). Maybe I'm doing something wrong.

mkongsiri

Sounds like the upper chain skipped, if its only a few degrees you should be ok. Turn the crank till one of the cams is facing up. Take the rear cam cover off and remove the cam adjuster bolts, slide cam adjusters off and undo the chain. Put the cam adjuster back on cam that is out of alignment and gently turn it till its aligned with the other. Lock in place with cam lock. Remember this is an interference fit engine, if you turn the cam too much you can bend a valve as the piston will be at tdc. Again, if its only a little off, you'll be ok. Good luck.

Cadillacby

Thanks. I'll try it. How to check which one is off (I mean cams).