Reinstalling stupid Cam assembly and not getting angry?

[supersport]

So finally get to the point of putting things back together and trying to get the cam assembly back in place, ruined the gasket and can't get the damn thing back in place, there has been a lot of french shouted in the garage.

So hints and tips to getting it back on and remaining sane? It just seems to see sit proud without the guiding lugs going back in the holes, and has now mangled the holes in the gasket, so need a new one.

How do you keep the gasket in place whilst it goes back on?

 

[bmnelsc]

I don't have experience with this but it sounds like something has gone awry here. If it came off there - it should go back without these kinds of problems. I would think its unlikely but have you got something swapped end for end so the lugs won't align? Perhaps a careful measurement of the lugs and holes on each end will give you a clue as to what's going on (assuming you have a reference point on each piece to confirm your measurements). Another possibility may be you've got the wrong gasket e.g. its missing a hole somewhere that would allow the assembly to sit down in the proper location? Perhaps try fitting it without the gasket and see if it gets down to where it should be (any gap should be less than the gasket thickness).

 

[TTM]

I have done this perhaps 15 times in the last 5 years.

The 2 guiding lugs in the block will hold the gasket in place while placing the camshaft housing. Don't forget to have the crank and camshaft timed at TDC. Hold a flat piece of cardboard to keep the lifters in place while you hold the camshaft housing with the other hand, and slip up the cardboard while you place the assembly on the head.
Mind that the rear plastic belt cover has to be placed ahead of the pulley housing. It may get in the way if you don't pay attention.
Check that the camshaft stays on TDC as you tighten the bolts holding the assembly on the head.
A flexible magnet is quite handy to get back the upper bolts that might have fallen into the housing while placing them.

Be generous with brake cleaner to clean off the oil that spilled on the exhaust manifolds as you removed the assembly otherwise your car will be smoking generously for a while.