I just did a search regarding this but I couldn't get the exact answer I'm after, so don't flame me!!

Anyway, I've replaced the head on an EF, and now it's basically all back together aside from the cam, rocker gear etc. I would chuck it all back in but I always hear of horror stories.

Here is the situation:
>>Engine's not on TDC (about 5 degrees off) and I didn't mark anything when I took out the cam.
>>I cable tied the chain to the sprocket at the beginning so nothing should have moved.
>>I haven't released the tensioner.

Simply, can I stuff anything up if I haven't got it on TDC and didn't mark anything? Can I just pop the cam back in - I take it that it can only go in one way?? I'm always confused because I hear mixed opinions and procedures.

Thanks for your help.

i've found from other engines, that you should have it at TDC, and there should be a mark on the cam pulley also, that you line up with a mark on the backing behind the cam pulley.
don't guess it, and crank it over by hand if you can before starting if unsure.

You should be alright as long as nothing has moved, asuming the chain hasn't move on the lower 2 sprockets.

The cam shaft only goes on its sprocket one way.

You can check if it right before starting by rotating the engine to TDC and checking the timing marks line up. The camshaft timing mark is on the front of the sprocket and should line up level with the top of the head on the R side when viewed from the front.

Thanks. So how can I get the cam back in the sprocket if I don't release the tensioner?

There's no reason why you can't release the tensioner, there isn't enough room for the chain to fall off the crankshaft sprocket.

Leave your cable tie in place until everything is installed.

After retensioning the chain check the timing as I described before, to ensure everythings right.

just line the cam shaft and sproket up before you do up all the bolts,,thats what i did,,,you can rotate the cam and line it up,,then tighten all the bolts up..easy..