Note. When installing, use new camshaft seals, a new valve cover gasket and a new toothed drive belt. You will also need a sealant for the camshaft bearing caps and a compound to block the threads of the bearing cap bolts.
Removing
1. On F3R engines, release the plastic wiring harness cover that is located between the intake manifold and cylinder head from its mountings. On F7R engines, remove the plastic cover from the right engine mount.
2. On F7R engines, remove the ignition coil BB as described in Chapter Engine electrical equipment.
3. Where applicable, disconnect the crankcase ventilation hose from the valve cover.
4. Turn away nuts/bolts of a valve cover and remove a cover.
5. Remove the toothed drive belt as described in Section Removal, inspection and installation of a toothed drive belt.
6. Disconnect the wiring from the camshaft position sensor, then unscrew the mounting screws and remove the sensor cover from the cylinder head. Remove the sensor gear ring and insulating plate from the camshaft.
7. Remove the camshaft gear, refer to Section Removal, inspection and installation of the gear wheel of the toothed drive belt and the tension mechanism.
8. Using a micrometer, measure the camshaft end play and compare it with the value given in Specifications. This will determine the degree of wear of the thrust surfaces.
9. On F3R engines, mark the camshaft bearing caps so that each can be reinstalled and oriented correctly.
10. Gradually loosen the bearing cap or camshaft housing bolts until the spring pressure is completely relieved. Remove bolts and bearing guard/cap (refer to illustrations).
11. Note the position of the cam faces of cylinder No. 1 as a guide for installation, then raise the camshaft (s) with seals.
12. Remove pushrods with washers on F3R engines. Make a note of the thickness of all washers - this may be needed later if any of the valve clearances are not correct.
Inspection
1. Inspect the running surfaces of the camshaft bearings and cams for gouges, corrosion, or scratches. Replace the camshaft if this damage is found.
2. Replace the camshaft seals after each removal. Lubricate the sealing lips of the new oil seals.
3. Inspect the running surfaces of the camshaft bearings in the cylinder head and bearing caps or casing. If deep scratches or other damage are found, the cylinder head must be replaced.
4. Inspect tappets and washers for scratches, corrosion, and gouges. Replace as needed.
5. On F7R engines, thoroughly clean the mating surface of the cylinder head and camshaft housing.
Installation
1. Lubricate the pushers and install them in the head in the same places from where they were removed. Install a washer of the desired thickness on each pusher.
2. Lubricate the camshaft bearings. Position the camshaft with seals on the cylinder head. The seals must be placed flush with the cylinder head seating surfaces. Cam faces must be oriented as noted before removal.
Attention! If the cam faces are not oriented correctly, the valves may touch the pistons.
3. On F3R engines, make sure the dowel pins are in place and reinstall the camshaft bearing caps, applying sealant to the ends that contact the cylinder head. On F7R engines, install the camshaft fasteners with a new gasket or sealant.
4. Apply a few drops of tack compound to the threads of the housing/bearing cap bolts. Install the bolts and tighten them evenly to Specifications effort.
5. If a new camshaft is installed, measure the axial clearance and make sure it matches the data given in Specifications.
6. Install the camshaft gear, refer to Section Removal, inspection and installation of the gear wheel of the toothed drive belt and the tension mechanism.
7. Install a new toothed drive belt, refer to Section Removal, inspection and installation of a toothed drive belt.
8. Check and adjust valve clearances (F3R engines) as described in Section Checking and adjusting valve clearances (F3R engines).
9. Install the valve cover (with new gasket if needed). Connect the crankcase ventilation hose to the cover and install any components that were removed or disconnected.
10. Install the insulating plate and sensor gear, then install the camshaft sensor cover and securely tighten the mounting bolts. Connect the camshaft position sensor wiring.
11. On F7R engines, install the ignition coil HV as described in Chapter Engine electrical equipment.
12. Connect the battery.