Cam change
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Cam change
I was told by a friend that I could change a cam without pulling engine. Said I could pull radiator and condenser and there was enough room to change cam without pulling engine. Is this correct??
Thanks
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
Actually, you don't even have to pull out the A/C condensor either. But you will have to loosen it and pull it forward ever so slightly. You can then put a one inch block of wood between the condensor and its brackets to hold it forward, away from the engine. As I recall, you have to remove the two Vac hoses to the headlights for clearance for the condensor. But a lot easier than removing the A/C hoses & freon.
This is a GREAT time to add a small 3/4" thick tranny cooler in front of the condensor while you have the hood off. You can always hook up the tranny lines later as you wish.
When pulling the cam, reinstall the sprocket with a couple bolts. Use that as leverage to "work" the cam out carefully without banging the cam bearings. As you get near the A/C condensor, then you can remove the cam sprocket. The end of the cam will just clear.
Don't forget to scribe a line around the hood hinges for reference before removing.
Its really not a bad job. I would rather change 15 cams than to do one brake issues job.
This is a GREAT time to add a small 3/4" thick tranny cooler in front of the condensor while you have the hood off. You can always hook up the tranny lines later as you wish.
When pulling the cam, reinstall the sprocket with a couple bolts. Use that as leverage to "work" the cam out carefully without banging the cam bearings. As you get near the A/C condensor, then you can remove the cam sprocket. The end of the cam will just clear.
Don't forget to scribe a line around the hood hinges for reference before removing.
Its really not a bad job. I would rather change 15 cams than to do one brake issues job.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Dec 9, 2017 at 07:06 AM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 664
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From: Marysville Ohio
You can do it as described above. I have done it both ways (in car and out).The last time I did it was in car. In my case, I also had to disconnect the condenser to get enough clearance, so I also had to recharge the AC afterwards. You may not have to go that far, not everyone does.
By the time you pull the hood, and everything else in the way, it's not too much more just to pull the engine out (Plus you don't have to mess with the rad and condenser).
If I ever change the cam again, the engine is coming out - its probably a little extra work, but it's just easier to work on the front of the engine.
Plus, every time to look under the hood, I find something else I want to clean up. It really just boils down to your preference and what you want to deal with relative to getting to the cam change itself.
I also agre with HEADSU.P. - Much prefer this kind of work over brake jobs. I'm dealing with that ugliness now.
By the time you pull the hood, and everything else in the way, it's not too much more just to pull the engine out (Plus you don't have to mess with the rad and condenser).
If I ever change the cam again, the engine is coming out - its probably a little extra work, but it's just easier to work on the front of the engine.
Plus, every time to look under the hood, I find something else I want to clean up. It really just boils down to your preference and what you want to deal with relative to getting to the cam change itself.
I also agre with HEADSU.P. - Much prefer this kind of work over brake jobs. I'm dealing with that ugliness now.
Last edited by cooper9811; Dec 9, 2017 at 08:47 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
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From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Yes, I've done mine twice now with engine in car. Plenty of good information on this in the forum archives. Try a search first and if you have any questions just post for them.
Good luck and have fun.
Good luck and have fun.
