How do I rotate the camshafts without damaging anything? I am currently doing a headgasket job. I timed everything before removing everything but had to remove the camshafts when working on the engine head. I currently have the engine head installed and the camshafts bolted onto the head but not lined up/timed. The timing chain and sprockets are currently disconnected. Thanks!

 

As long as you grip the cast area between the machined/polished areas you will be fine.
Vise-Grips (Mole Grips?) set to grip enough to rotate will work. Any type of pliers that move the cam.

A piece of leather belt or seat belt wrapped if you are concerned?

 

Thanks I was able to to move the camshafts by removing the timing chain retainer and a $6 harbor freight spanner wrench. Now I have another issue, I can't remember how the sprockets are arranged! .... I had everything zipped tied and ready to go but do frustration I clipped all the ties holding the sprockets and chain together and now can't remember


Do the sprockets go on the camshafts this way?

Or this way? And I'm assuming the protruding nipple goes into the camshaft. I'm losing my memory

 

The cam drives are 'micro-adjustable'.
You put the sprockets on the cams (cams timed correctly), tighten the chain and then install the splined drive plate to align the 4 bolt holes with the lock tabs under the bolt heads.

 

Thank you! no wonder I was having such a difficult time trying to do it last night at 2am . After more research, the nipple part of the splined drive plate is suppose to face towards the radiator. The pictures in the Haynes manual is confusing to me!

 

You might not get the plate and sprocket EXACT but you can get very close to the correct timing setting.
The splines are an ODD number so there are 4 chances to get as close as possible.