2.7 cam removal/re-install question

I'm going to be adjusting for valve lash and need to make adjustments on all 8 exhaust valves. I have the shim removal tools on order but I'm wondering it it might be easier to just remove the cam on the exhaust side to get to the shims. Timing chain is of course on the intake cam so the exhaust cam should be easy to remove. I know to set TDC and align the marks on the back of the cam gears. But my concern is that it may be a challenge to reinstall the cam due to some of the lobes being turned down. It seems like I will have to manually press down the valve springs(with the cam lobes) to get the cam into position.

How hard will it be to get the cam back into position and bolted down?

 

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The service manual doesn't mention anything like that. It just says to install service bolt between the gears, remove at TDC, and make sure it stays level when removing and installing. I've attached the page from the service manual for install. I have never done this personally, so many something that has can confirm.

 

Thanks for posting that info. FSM is a great tool isn't it(never used one). It must not be a big deal to remove the exhaust cam. I've searched youtube and google in general and didn't really find anything. But I didn't want to create more work by removing the cam.

 

Make sure you take one of the valve cover bolts and install it into the cam gear with split in it. I can't remember if it's intake or exhaust, but if you don't, you will fight it reinstalling the cam. The split has something to do with cutting down gear noise. Also, be sure to take the bolt out before starting the engine..

 

Just loosen the cam bearing cap bolts evenly and tap the cam occasionally during the process to let the springs push up evenly. The danger is if the camshaft gets too far angled it could damage the bearing surfaces, but I've never read of anyone having trouble.

And install the service bolt like others mentioned. And take pictures of the gear alignment before removal.

 

I appreciate the advise guys. I didn't think about the service bolt relating to removing the exhaust cam, but it makes sense now. Using the VS bolt will help ensure that I don't forget to remove it.

 

The split gear has a tension spring that pushes the split gear away from each other to take up gear lash.

 

Is there a write up on this procedure (valve lash adjustment)? It's sounding involved, with special tools required. That wouldn't stop me, but i like to have a reference to keep me on track. I've not had to do any engine work on any of my 2.7s, so it would be new ground for me.

 

Thanks NZ. Should have looked in my copy of the FSM first.

 

No problem, I believe there is a good video on youtube of the process as well. It might be a 4runner but the engine is the same.

 

I'll look for the video. I'm going to the dealer tomorrow for other work, and I will ask what the charge for this.

 

I was quoted around $400, but they would need the truck for multiple days because they won't know the shim size they need until the pull the current ones.

 

There are some very good write ups out there on this repair. My Toyota dealer quoted $500 plus for this, plus 2-3 days for when they order the shims they need. You would think they would stock an assortment of shims since they only cost a few bucks each. Seems like this is not a common service for them, which seems odd in that these engines can really rack up the miles. Also seems like in about half of what I read they removed the cam and did not use the shim tool. So, this may be something I'll check over the summer when I have a few days I don't need the truck.

 

The service tech I talked to at my dealer said they hadn't done a valve adjustment in the 20 years that he had been there. I didn't really understand that since it is a maintenance item in the manual. Either way, I'll be doing mine this weekend.

 

Please keep us posted on how things go Noah. I ordered this tool and it came in today and it is a very nicely made tool. Here is the link:

Schley Products 88250 Valve Adjusting Tools

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014DF1AG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 If nothing else, I'll be using it on the one intake valve adjustment on my truck.

Info on this adjusting the valve lash seems to be controversial. It certainly makes sense to me that it needs to be checked, but certainly not every 60k. Now that I've done the inspection, its pretty easy. I've watched a few of the vids and they were very helpful. But none of the ones I saw showed the cam removal. If you guys come across one, I'd love to see it.

I have a copy of the FSM, but it is for the v6 auto. If someone would share the 3rz version, that would be excellent.

 

I got that exact same kit as well as this one.

$13 Motion Pro 08-0019 Valve Shim Tool for Kawasaki KZ

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WJDXD0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I read that some people used a "honda" valve tool that was much easier. This one works by prying directly off of the lobe.

Also I posted the cam removal instructions above: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2-7-cam-removal-re-install-question.495890/#post-15358152

Edit: Here is the FSM for 1999 3rz https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1999-3rz-fsm.491605/

 

I have removed the exhaust cam and used the tool for the intake. The tool is sort of a pain to use

 

I don't understand why adjusting the valves on the 3rz and 5vz is such taboo. Valves tend to get burnt when adjustments are neglected..