Yeah. there is some weird stuff about rotating everything a few more degrees. and like you said I think it takes it off a cam lobe and prevents accidental movement.
I've disassembled a few VVTi junkyard motors, so if you need any spare parts let me know.


Rich

 

The gear on the exhaust cam is actually two pieces. Kelvin describes putting a bolt in to hold the tension before disassembling. its possible to put the tension back in but putting that much torque on that sharp edged gear is painful. Did you put the bolt in before disassembling from the intake gear?

 

Yes I used the bolt in the scissor gear before removing anything .
But I have had this whirring, whistling noise that revs with the engine. I even replaced the timing belt sprockets . When I take it back apart to do the o-rings and valve adjustment I hope to find the source.
So sorry about the valve damage hassle Geen! Ouch.

 

isn't that the p/s pump that is whining? mine does, or did that as well

 

I thought it might be something like that . But the noise is present even with serpentine belt removed.
Not to mention new W/P, idler pulleys, belt , tensioner and all new belt sprockets.