Death to you, Camshaft sprockets.

[Acheron]

Trying to remove the head on a 2000 Vectra, with the z22se engine.

Everything is pretty much all done, with the exception of removing the sprockets from the cam, so i can slide the head up and over. You cant lift the head up as the sprocket bolt is in the way.

I simply cannot under no amount of force, remove the sprocket bolt. This isnt a picture of my engine, but its the bolt in the middle of the sprocket, and its jammed fast on both sprockets.



Without them coming off, the whole job is stopped. I snapped one ratchet already, dented a spanner and slightly rounded the head of one of the bolts (but a spanner and socket will still grip, i stopped before i rounded any more).

Ive hit it, kicked it, smacked it with a hammer, leaned on it, pushed it, pulled it... done everything but eaten it.

Any suggestions how i could get these two bds off?

[Acheron]

Mr Will said:

Are they left-handed threads?

Haha, this was my other severe concern. I *think* they are set up to come off on anti-clockwise rotation, and this was the belief i got from a family member who works at a garage.

If anyone else has worked on the z22se, maybe they could verify it.

In terms of heat, what is the best way of doing it?

[Acheron]

Mr Will said:

Which way does the sprocket rotate when the engine is running?

Forward, towards the front of the car. It rotates clockwise when looking from the right hand side (as in the picture). At least, this is the way i have rotated it to get #1 at TDC, i assume it will only rotate one way when the chain is attached.

[Acheron]

Either way, i tried them both ways and they wouldnt move.

[Acheron]

Cheers for all the help guys, i'll give it another go shortly, a family member is going to lend me one or two bits and pieces and i've had it confirmed its a normal thread.

As long as they dont snap, thats all that matters!