removing SOHC cams

[scuba steve]

I've trying to remove the cams from my 1994 ej22e heads and I'm not seeing how it goes. I've got the engine out and the passenger side head off. Rocker is off too. Is there a special tool required? I still need to get the sprocket off too. I need to send these up to Delta for my hybrid build. Any thoughts?

[beatersubi]

The gear needs to come off, then the the cam slides out the back of the head after the cover is removed. Take care not to brake any of the 'ears' off of the cover.

[scuba steve]

Thanks. Any tips on getting the sprocket off once the head is off the block? I don't have that $$$$ tool from Subaru. I realize now I should have loosened them before I took the timing belt off. DOH Do they both loosen in a normal counter-clockwise fashion?

[kimokalihi]

Do you have an old timing belt? You could cut out a length of it long enough to wrap around all the teeth to protect them and then use a chain wrench to clamp onto it and hold it in place while you use a 1/2" impact gun to break the bolt loose or a breaker bar if you don't have air tools.

If you don't have a chain wrench you could rent one at autozone and when you bring it back they refund your rental fee so long as you don't break it. You can probably use a rag or shop towels in place of the timing belt if you don't have that. I use paper shop towels around my power steering pulley to protect it while I clamped my chain wrench around it to break the nut loose.

Just an idea. There's probably an easier way but that's the first thing that comes to mind.

[beatersubi]

I've used a timing belt, held tight around the pulley, to hold the gear while impact-ing the bolt off. If you don't have an impact you could re-install the rocker assembly to help hold the cam in place.

[Legacy777]

Here's some pictures of my heads after removing the cam

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subar ... eadwork/02
http://main.experiencetherave.com/subar ... eadwork/03

[gijonas]

there should be a hex shape cast into the cam itself that you can get a wrench on to hold the cam.

[scuba steve]

Thanks guys. They're out.