Help: engine experts
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,030
Likes: 6
From: Maryland
Help: what would kill LT4 extreme cam sprocket??
Guys,
My LT1 is down at the shop now. The cam gear has failed and chunks of metal are probably down in the oil pan and in the oil filter.
Any theories about why the cam sprocket would fail where it meets the water pump sprocket on the motor? What should I be looking for? I've heard anything loose or cam end play so far.
Also...
Mechanic would take out the pan and fill with regular oil and new filter, run car 20 min to flush, then dump it out.
Parts guy I talked to recommends looking at rod bearings and main bearings to see if they are already scored.
What would you, experienced guys do? How much would you tear down, or would you just yank the engine now?
I greatly appreciate any advice you can give.
Thanks very much,
Andy
My LT1 is down at the shop now. The cam gear has failed and chunks of metal are probably down in the oil pan and in the oil filter.
Any theories about why the cam sprocket would fail where it meets the water pump sprocket on the motor? What should I be looking for? I've heard anything loose or cam end play so far.
Also...
Mechanic would take out the pan and fill with regular oil and new filter, run car 20 min to flush, then dump it out.
Parts guy I talked to recommends looking at rod bearings and main bearings to see if they are already scored.
What would you, experienced guys do? How much would you tear down, or would you just yank the engine now?
I greatly appreciate any advice you can give.
Thanks very much,
Andy
Last edited by sothpaw2; Aug 17, 2005 at 12:26 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Dallas/Spring Texas
I think the cam gears are under a lot of stress with the roller cam's high ramp rates/water pump drive/distributor drive all in one. I've heard of them going, along with chains breaking too. 
if you've already got the pan off, most of the battle is done and you might as well check the bearings while you're there
if you've already got the pan off, most of the battle is done and you might as well check the bearings while you're there
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 7,339
Likes: 137
From: WilkesBarre PA
If it's the stock pan, it only takes about 15min to remove. I would look in the bottom of the pan to look for chunks. Prolly pull and check the rear main bearing, 7&8 rod bearings, then check the oil pump gears for signs of ingested metal. If no problems, Put in a new pump and put it back together (after cleaning everything).
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,030
Likes: 6
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by RichS
If it's the stock pan, it only takes about 15min to remove. I would look in the bottom of the pan to look for chunks. Prolly pull and check the rear main bearing, 7&8 rod bearings, then check the oil pump gears for signs of ingested metal. If no problems, Put in a new pump and put it back together (after cleaning everything).
