How to remove a Toyota camshaft bolt (head gasket job) 3RZ-FE

The bolt that attaches the timing gear to the intake camshaft on a toyota 4 cylinder engine is notoriously hard to remove. The camshaft needs to be held while lots of torque is applied to the bolt.
Here's one way to block the camshaft so you can really torque on that bolt.
Another thing you could probably use is a socket extension bar if you have one the right length.

[@rjemmetts]

You are the man! I just gave it a shot and worked like a charm. I ended up joining two 3/8 in extensions and shoving them through the cam wheel hole. Great problem solving

[@stephaneledoux5495]

Super awesome trick! If only I hadn't dropped that nice little aluminium cube all the way down the timing chain compartment. Darn, that's when you wish aluminium was magnetic!!

[@stephaneledoux5495]

The new version of my aluminium plate has two sides that hold-on to the side of the head. It won't happen again, if I ever need to remove an intake gear again.

[@dreweaton2154]

This tip was incredibly helpful! After screwing around for ages this got the job done. We had to add heat because a previous remover of the cam added loc tight (terrible idea) and a cheater bar to add length to our breaker bar. Thanks man!

[@janetarzan4294]

Do I have to remove the sprockets to take the head off?

[@DavidLHare]

Dude that rocks! Thanks for sharing!

[@jamespearce4970]

The cam at the sensor is octagon.
1" wrench works great as a back up.

[@peterelks1064]

Great video you solved a problem I had spent hours on

[@kylerwilliams2358]

That was an Idea man! Thanks! Works!

[@RESTESSMYSTIC]

nice - good to lock the chain wheel

[@shawntate8154]

excellent tip! Thanks

[@amiller320]

HIGHLY recommend using something that won't fall down into the timing hole. I used a big, fat washer and it slipped into the timing cover after I loosened the cam gear. Couldn't fish it out with a magnet, and ended up pulling the entire motor to get the timing cover off!

[@stewartmarshall4112]

Yes, use a much longer piece of flatbar that won't fall into the timing chain case!

[@jon_byler]

can you just use an impact wrench? I need to replace radiator, etc, when I do the head.

[@swdweeb]

Imagine how much easier that would have been if you;d used both hands ;-)

[@toycoma98]

would a compact impact work?

[@ozzstars_cars]

Simple good idea. I will keep that in mind next time I need to yank one of those Toyota heads. Thanks for the tip! -Glen

[@vanhap]

what about using a impact without any backup bar across the cam gear? Will those tiny yet many impacts do bad things to the camshaft?

[@Rowland1944]

Put a screw driver thru cam gear hole to brake the nut.

[@damonkindred9195]

I used a impact

[@562skillz]

I used my stubby impact 2 sec lol

[@priusgame1178]

What is plan b if you strip the bolt?

[@priusgame1178]

Rounded bolt

[@LittleRiverKingfiser]

Anyone know the torque setting for the cam bolt?

[@supr3m352]

54 ft lbs

[@cabdulahicaroone6042]

Hi

[@vascoalfredo4637]

3rzt bank farya

[@smokinjo7335]

I'm sure Toyota makes a Cam lock tool for this job, get that adjustable Crescent wrench out the garage, your not doing Plumbing work here. It's very easy to damage the head by using the Wrong tools.

[@alexandrejeanclaude8158]

Allumage

[@preston963]

Or you can just hit it with a rattle gun n it's undone in 2 seconds.