divil

Hi, new to this forum. I have a 98 2.8L 30v with the classic oil leaks and I'm planning to change valve cover gaskets and cam chain tensioner seals. I'm doing the timing belt at the same time. I rented the timing belt tool kit, but I unfortunately I forgot to rent the cam chain tensioner tool (3366).

Does anyone know, is there a way I can safely change the cam chain tensioner seals without the special tool? Is the tool needed even if you're removing the camshafts completely? I have to send the timing belt tools back soon so I don't have time to order the 3366 tool from anywhere. Thanks in advance!

4Driver4

Don't try. Find someone with the tool, or make something that does the same thing.

divil

Thanks for the reply. Can you elaborate? I have never seen the mechanism before, so I am not 100% sure exactly what the tool does or why it's needed. What would happen if I try to remove the whole cam assembly, as shown in this video at 2:05?

divil

spent the last few hours reading up on this and watching videos relating to the tensioner. Stupid Bentley manual has literally nothing on this whole system...not a thing. But I think I understand the mechanism a bit better now. It puts pressure on the chain in both directions, and if I remove the whole lot together without relieving the tension then it might pop out and be difficult to get back in. If it stays in place it might make the cams difficult to get back into place.

Next question...any of you guys in the Kansas City/Lawrence area have this tool? I'd buy it from you, or borrow/rent it if you're willing. I'd really like to do the job tomorrow if I possibly can. Thanks.

tartar

Here's the tool.

http://www.europaparts.com/cam-chain...tool-3366.html

divil

Thanks. But that is in New Jersey...nowhere near me.

tartar

You might want to check with your local Sears.

http://www.sears.com/schwaben-vag-ca...p-00929858000P

divil

Good catch...unfortunately they don't have it in my local one...and their stock system doesn't even recognize the number! The guy took me to their computer where I looked it up, then we put the number in their stock checker...nada.

So I've decided to leave the job till next weekend...even if I found the tool now it'd be a late start, since I expect it to take every minute of daylight in the weekend. Thanks all.