Originally Posted by kwren (Post 588668)

if there is a problem with the sprocket that bolts onto the cam shaft, the cam shaft is more likely than not itself damaged, the cam shaft has to be replaced.

A Serious project. You can do it with the help of the folks on this site, but you would have to be walked through every phase of the project. I would probably say, with your experience, or lack of experience so far... Maybe not try it by yourself.

I don't think there is even a possibility that the gears in the cam shafts, not the sprocket, but the gears themselves could jump out of time... It just isn't made that way.

Hope we all wake up and find out that this is just a bad dream:(

Take care,
Keith

Originally Posted by SoCal LS-L (Post 588694)

(Screams in horror) How does something like this happen? Thats one thing id NEVER want to do on my daily driver.... try to yank a camshaft when I have a couple inches clearance :eek:

Originally Posted by svxfiles (Post 588696)

If it is as I suspect, the camshaft will have to be removed and replaced,:(
as well as the cam sprocket.
You can do it with the engine in the car, but it's not easy.

Originally Posted by SoCal LS-L (Post 588702)

Irk !! But how does one cause the camshaft to be damaged enough in the first place?

Originally Posted by svxfiles (Post 588707)

Good question.
With the intake and exhaust springs applying alternating pressures on the camshaft, both trying to hinder and help it's rotation, a whipping action is created between the camshaft and the sprocket.
The whipping back and forth can eventually loosen the cam sprocket bolt.
When this happens the sprocket whips back and forth wearing the camshaft groove.
Subaru used a round pin to fit into the rectangular groove.:confused:
Had they used a round pin in a round hole, or a rectangle in a rectangular groove this would never occur.
IMHO.