Do you guys use any of that Copper Spray when installing the head gasket or is it just best to put it in dry? Also how hard is it to re-install the cam gear when you put it back together? It seems to have a lot of tension on it because of the tensioner. This is on a 94 22RE. TIA!

 

I didn't use any copper spray when installing my new gasket. I have heard some that do and some that don't.

As far as the tensioner, you can reach down in there with a crowbar or long handled screw driver and push in on it to release some of the tension. Unfortunately I found this out after I had mine put together haha. My method was a little more crude. I put a screwdriver into one of the holes on the cam gear and pried it up onto the cam. I was scared the whole time doing it but was ready to get the damn thing back together.

Rob

 

i used indian head gasket shellac, worked good, enginebuilder uses that copper spray, last one i put in dry leaked after installing,some people say dry, some people say to use something,cam gear is a peice of cake to reinstall, put soket on crank bolt and turn engine ever so slightly anf the tension comes off of chain,and you can wiggle it on. just remember to keep chain tight on sprocket

 

I tried to do the wiggling thing with the crank (that's even what my Haynes manual said to do), but I couldn't get any slack by doing that.

Rob

 

I've always used a screwdriver or something similar to pry on the cam sprocket, ittle be a bit tough, then it just sort of gives way and you have enough slack to get it on... make sure your dead on timing wise so your dowel (i think thats what it is) lines up and slides on, if you arent ittle be a PITA!

 

Due to the different expansion and cooling rates of aluminum and cast iron the gasket should be installed dry. If you insist on putting something on the gasket, only put it on the side in contact with the block.

 

wiggling worked for me