Cam lock tool

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LotusMonkey
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Cam lock tool

Post by LotusMonkey »

Can anyone recommend a cam lock tool they have used? I can see some on eBay, but the plastic ones look a little flimsy and the metal one I like you only seem to be able to get from the US, so it’s quite expensive with the postage.

Want to make sure my first cam belt change goes without a hitch, as we get closer to the first start in 14 years!

Ta!
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Tanz
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Re: Cam lock tool

Post by Tanz »

I have changed the cam belt a number of times but never used cam locks. I mark the belt and sprockets with white paint and then transfer the marks to the new belt by counting the teeth. Also mark the sprocket that drives the distributor and lock the crank at TDC with a screw driver in the fly wheel.
Image
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Re: Cam lock tool

Post by AndyC »

You don't need them, and they would probably make it more difficult as you'll need to slightly rotate the cams.
If you really want to feel safe and so unable to turn the cams much too far, then a cable tie securing together the two cams via the nearest large holes (like the ones either side of the dimple in the pic from Tanz, not too tight that you cannot turn the cams.

LotusMonkey
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Re: Cam lock tool

Post by LotusMonkey »

Andy C and Tanz. Thanks for the advice on this one very helpful and saves a few pennies for something more productive on the car!!
"A specialist job is just one I have not learnt to do yet...." :D

Zag
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Re: Cam lock tool

Post by Zag »

Agree, be careful with the dimples and there is no need.

moriniman
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Re: Cam lock tool

Post by moriniman »

I locked my pulleys because I had the belt off for an extended period whilst I dealt with problems like a recalcitrant crank pulley. I just used an 8mm bolt with an extra heavy duty washer on each end to clamp the pulleys to each other.

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JB455
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Re: Cam lock tool

Post by JB455 »

I second the paint mark method. I believe I read about it on here somewhere before I did my first belt change last spring. A few seconds with a paint pen to mark the belts position on each pulley, then transfer the marks to the new belt. Made the install so much easier, with no worries about anything being in the wrong position.

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Re: Cam lock tool

Post by Alan_M »

JB455 wrote:
Tue Nov 22, 2022 13:17
I second the paint mark method. I believe I read about it on here somewhere before I did my first belt change last spring. A few seconds with a paint pen to mark the belts position on each pulley, then transfer the marks to the new belt. Made the install so much easier, with no worries about anything being in the wrong position.
I use the paint method, but so I can keep the new belt looking new I use a little masking tape on the belt where I need to put the paint marks and transfer the paint marks on to that.

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AndrewWebber
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Re: Cam lock tool

Post by AndrewWebber »

Being a 900 series engine virgin, I've not changed one yet, on Pinto's etc. I have previously used a method whereby I slit the old belt in half along its length in situ (so it is two halves of its original width) cut across and remove the old half on the 'front' of the pulleys leaving the other old half on all the pullies at the 'rear' of them, slide the new belt onto the pulleys from the front halfway across the pulleys, cut the second half of the old one off, slide the new one on the rest of the way on. So the engine always has at least one half width of belt on it to keep all the timing. Is there a reason that would not work on the 900 ?

Andy

Pete Boole
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Re: Cam lock tool

Post by Pete Boole »

Sounds like a great idea Andrew! No reason for it not to work.

Pete

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Re: Cam lock tool

Post by MetBlue »

. slit the old belt in half along its length
I've read about that method on the forum before, so should work and sure others have done it that way.
There's not slot of clearance around the crank pulley, so you may find you need to wind the second part of the old belt out by turning the engine over, but your new 'half ' belt will keep everything timed.
Tony
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