I've used the screw driver and vice grips trick for adjusting my valves. Now I am in the middle of replacing the piston, do I need to buy/make the tool or can I still use the screw driver to release tension on the CCT when removing the cam?

Once I remove the cylinder, is it ok to remove the screw driver and let the CCT return to the normal position until it is time to bolt on the cylinder head and replace the cam? How will this impact the timing, if at all?

Appreciate the help, this timing stuff scares the heck out of me.

You can still use the screwdriver.

<<Once I remove the cylinder, is it ok to remove the screw driver and let the CCT return to the normal position until it is time to bolt on the cylinder head and replace the cam? How will this impact the timing, if at all?>>

Yes, you can release the tension and remove the screwdriver and you'll have to in order to get the cylinder off since your vise grips will no longer be there.

As long as you don't let the chain come off the bottom gear, timing will not change. Using the screwdriver to release the tension is just so you can get the cam out.

But with all that said, you really need to double check your timing when you put it all back together. Chances are good that when you remove the cylinder, the chain is going to come off the bottom gear.

<<Appreciate the help, this timing stuff scares the heck out of me.>>

It's really not all that difficult; you DO have a shop manual don't you?

Jim.

That makes sense, thanks Jim. Yes, I have the shop manual on CD, but it is vague on removing the CCT.

Is checking the timing as easy as lining up the hash marks on the cam to be parallel with the cylinder head while the motor is in TDC? Or is there more steps involved?

markey, on 07 February 2012 - 10:05 AM, said:

Hash marks on the cam gear lined up with the lobes pointing to the rear.

make sure you have it lined up with mark on flywheel also . and definently after you have taken slack out of timing chain and ready to close motor up . roll it over by hand a couple times checking that all marks line up . its easy for cam to roll and marks are off once you take the slack out of the timing chain . not hard to do the book or cd should get you through it fine .

Where did you get the CD version of the service manual?

Thanks guys.

AZ - I picked up the CD on ebay a few years ago. Dont remember what I paid for it...

Ok cool, thanks. I keep checking eBay every few weeks/days hoping to see one cheap.