camshaft removal small block
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 780
Likes: 1
From: Shelby NC
camshaft removal small block
I know the radiator will have to come out but will the support or a/c condenser have to be moved to get the camshaft out??? I have the heavy duty thick radiator so it will give more than a regular radiator but I don't know if it will be enough????
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 56
From: Baldwinsville, NY
On my 78, I would not lisen to Forum Guys at first and tried to get the cam out without taking the Hood off, radiator out, and unbolting the AC condensor and have a helper swing it out of the way will I removed the old cam and installed the new one.
Disconnect the battery.
Hood
Radiator hoses
Radiator
Shroud
V Belts
Water pump
Lower Oil pan
Timing Chain Cover.
Remove chain
Remove Cam
Scrap and Clean.
Have fun and a knowlegable helper.
Disconnect the battery.
Hood
Radiator hoses
Radiator
Shroud
V Belts
Water pump
Lower Oil pan
Timing Chain Cover.
Remove chain
Remove Cam
Scrap and Clean.
Have fun and a knowlegable helper.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 56
From: Baldwinsville, NY
Forgot the real work
once you have the timing chain off:
Remove distributor
carbureator
valve covers
intake
rocker arms
push rods
lifters
Then the cam or maybe wires, vacuum hoses, harmonic balancer, pulleys.
Remove distributor
carbureator
valve covers
intake
rocker arms
push rods
lifters
Then the cam or maybe wires, vacuum hoses, harmonic balancer, pulleys.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 780
Likes: 1
From: Shelby NC
Thanks guys--haven't pulled the radiator yet so I don't know if that is all that it will take. Mine is a 77 model but that shouldn't make a lot of difference. Didn't want to take the hood but I know it will make access better but worked long to get it lined up the first time!!
Had trouble with a new set of sportsman II heads several of the valve guides were off and it was sucking oil. Heads are off--if I had a cherrypicker I would just lift it out.
Had trouble with a new set of sportsman II heads several of the valve guides were off and it was sucking oil. Heads are off--if I had a cherrypicker I would just lift it out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,427
Likes: 1,560
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Heres a how to: that has worked for me, with a helper it's easy to remove to hood if you want to.
Pete.
Pete.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 3
From: Millersville, MD
Thanks guys--haven't pulled the radiator yet so I don't know if that is all that it will take. Mine is a 77 model but that shouldn't make a lot of difference. Didn't want to take the hood but I know it will make access better but worked long to get it lined up the first time!!
Had trouble with a new set of sportsman II heads several of the valve guides were off and it was sucking oil. Heads are off--if I had a cherrypicker I would just lift it out.
Had trouble with a new set of sportsman II heads several of the valve guides were off and it was sucking oil. Heads are off--if I had a cherrypicker I would just lift it out.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 780
Likes: 1
From: Shelby NC
I was able to remove and install my cam without removing the radiator. All we did was unbolt it and pushed it back some. Removing the hood does make things easier.[/QUOTE]
Was your rad the std cool or the thicker heavy cool?
Was your rad the std cool or the thicker heavy cool?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Just got through with a top end rebuild that included a cam.
Just remove the motor. It'll save you massive time and effort. Doing the cam with the motor end resulted in me having a LOT less hair.
Just remove the motor. It'll save you massive time and effort. Doing the cam with the motor end resulted in me having a LOT less hair.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Allentown PA
If the car is equipped with A/C, if you take the hood off and the radiator out, you can just tilt the condenser forward and you'll have just enough room for the cam to be changed. I've done it 3 times on my '81 this way. Its the easiest way, just remember to scribe marks where your hinges are, it makes alignment easy then. Good Luck
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 3
From: Millersville, MD
If the car is equipped with A/C, if you take the hood off and the radiator out, you can just tilt the condenser forward and you'll have just enough room for the cam to be changed. I've done it 3 times on my '81 this way. Its the easiest way, just remember to scribe marks where your hinges are, it makes alignment easy then. Good Luck
Yup, same way I did it and there is no need to pull the motor for a top-end rebuild.
