Can cams be installed with regular hand tools? I have a good set of hand tools but havent gotten any air tools yet. How hard is it to install some camshafts without an impact wrench?

Yes they can.
Air tools would be an overkill.

PLEASE dont use air tools. I can just see something snapping.
Changing cams is too easy. Just take extra special care that the timing chain stays in place and doesnt skip a tooth.

e-mail me at jonathan.figueroa@verizonwireless.com
i have a little cam packet set up thatexplains everything you need to know.

When my cam install was done all we used were hand tools.

I would never use hand tools to install cams. I recently built my motor, and I have no air tools. For cams you need:

24mm socket
1/2 breaker bar
1" open end wrench ( Craftsman seems to fit the best)
10mm socket
12mm socket
torque wrench
pliers

Originally posted by eric96ser
I would never use hand tools to install cams. I recently built my motor, and I have no air tools.

So what kind of tools did you use? j/k:D

I did my cam install about 40K miles ago with common hand tools. it was easy and if i didn't mess up would have taken only about an hour.

She runs strong and get's great milage
O

I wouldn't even think about using air tools near the cams. The only high-torque bolt is the cam sprocket-cam bolt, and you need to be concerned about the chain slipping, so don't use air tools there.

Wow...I actually think I could do the install myself then. Well, with lots of research and a few extra hands. ;)

Well for te most part I'd use hand tols anway, but I heard the cam gears where bolted on pretty good and you'd need an impact wrench for it.

I have a few writeup and a Haynes as well as a FSM so I should be alright.

Originally posted by Da91NX
So what kind of tools did you use? j/k:D


it was early when I wrote that.

I meant I would never use air tools on the cams. The only time I've used air tools on the motor, was when I needed to remove the cams, and the motor was on an engine stand. That was to loosen the cam sprocket bolts.

Just remember to get/borrow/use an inch pound torque wrench. You don't want uneven or excessive tightness with the cams close clearances.

Originally posted by peter96
Just remember to get/borrow/use an inch pound torque wrench. You don't want uneven or excessive tightness with the cams close clearances.

Stress!!!
Inch LBS
Inch LBS


NOT
ft/lbs
O

yeah it's easy as a mofo. On my 200 I could not get the cam sprocket bolt off for love or money ***'. Took forever to pry it out. This is atypical, but be ready to pull that shit. Just prop the cam gear with a screwdriver.
Like they already said don't let that chain skip, and you'l be okay.