Final thoughts on the Lifter thread

[QSHIPQ at aol.com]

Javad:
Don't mean to offend, I'm the first for finding better in standard
procedures, btdt for 25years.  Between servicing prorally cars and having
limited resources at many quattro club events and gatherings, many a quattro
owner (including on these lists) has benefitted from numerous QSHIPQ
"MacGuyvers".  When I look at a lifter R&R on a 10v, it's pretty standard
issue IME.  It shouldn't require a MacGuyver of any type, because the urgency
of "lifters" is never catastrophic or immediate.  IF some 10v racer wanted to
tell me it was so, I'd cut a V in the back of the TB cover so that the cam
can come completely out.  But I hardly think that's ever gonna need to happen.

Bill B hit the nail here.  ANY shop or quattro service "expert" (or just
performing this duty for another) wouldn't touch a lifter procedure with cam
gear on.  And plenty would wince at any mention of preloading the TB on the
cam gear before tightening caps (I don't care how many "successes") .  Real
world, it takes 5 minutes tops to remove and install a cam gear, and a 5usd
cam seal is a standard issue.  WHY?  Cuz the risk of a cam seal leaking (even
a recently installed one) wastes time.  The risk of nicking or stressing cam
journals is high.  Break or crack a cam cap (and it's easy, btdt):  Game over.

I really think what is at issue is proper tools to do the job.  I'd support
posts on how to lock the cam gear with other than the factory tool, or just
how to make an imitation factory tool (btst).  If you do more than one of
these Javad, make or buy the tool, do the job right.

I've enjoyed reading many MacGuyvers on these lists:  you, Martin, Jeff G,
Igor K, Graydon and others.   I look for the *exact* procedure used, and
evaluate them all in terms of risk vs time vs benefit.  In the case of timing
gear on for lifter swap on a 10v, I'm just not with you.  Plain and simple
it's a tool problem.  Apply your MacGuyver skills to the problems, not the
procedure.

Respectfully,

Scott Justusson