So, I won the auction for the Esslinger cam gear and the VCT delete kit. If I hadn't of won this auction, I would've been in big trouble. I don't know what I would have done if I couldn't get rid of the VCT bump on my engine.

So I started getting the engine ready for the new gear. First, I still had more parts to take off of the engine. First, I had to get the accessory drive pulley off of the drive shaft. I needed some help with this, since I wasn't able to hold the engine from rocking, and try to muscle the bolt free.

Then you need to remove another cover, and then you are ready to remove the timing belt.

You are supposed to be able to loosen a bolt, and release the tension from the timing belt by rotating the tensioner pulley with an Allen wrench. Every time I tried to loosen this bolt, I could feel it trying to strip off the head. I didn't want to risk anything, so I just walked the timing belt off of the front of the gears.

Next, I wanted to remove the water pump, because I wanted to clean it up, and replace the gasket. Not because The gasket is leaking, or I expect it to leak, but because I could at this point, and thought I should.

I know from reading, and from common sense that this car project is going to be packed full of surprises. So, I take off the water pump to find the first real surprise. On the front ofthe cylinder wall, behind the water pump, someone left a little prize for future generations.
That is a smiley face. Yep, this is inside the engine. To some worker in some car factory somewhere, thank you. I know now where the spirits of this car live.

Next thing is getting the VCT gear off. I tried last night, but I couldn't get it to budge. I need to figure out a way lock the exhaust cam gears in place, so I can break this bolt free.

I am following these forum posts here:
Timing Belt Removal (and Replacement)
VCT Installation

Hopefully, I can figure this out, and get the old gear off. But more importantly, get the whole thing back together.