Do I HAVE to take the cams out to pull the heads off? Seems like I remember last time it was a tight squeeze for the socket head and since it was my first time I took them out. But looking at it again it looks like you ought to be able to pull those head bolts without taking out the cams.

Experience? Suggestions? Thin-wall socket?

 

If the head gasket has been replace by the dealer through the recall it should have the smaller bolt head on it which I believe are 12mm 12 points which I believe you can leave the cams in. If it take a 14mm socket then no. I'm not 100% sure on this but it is easy to check with a valve cover off.

James

 

thanks JamesD. I looked in there quickly this morning and it looked like there was room. Had the heads off last year and I'm thinking (and hoping) we put it back together with the 12mm bolts.

 

On the two I've torn down (one twice), you could pull the head bolts out far enough to remove the head, but you can't get the built-in washer on the head bolt past the cam. So yes, you can remove the head without pulling the cam. But, you can't put new bolts in, and therefore, you can't put the head back on, without pulling the cam.

 

So you may as well pull the cams now/first. New bolts or not. Because even the old bolts would need removed, thoroughly cleaned, and visually inspected if they are to be reused. Which is a totally acceptable practice. See your FSM for proof. Or this TSB.

 

hmmmm if its worth pulling its worth upgradeing?