Cam install question?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 567
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From: Oswego Illinois
Cam install question?
I am looking into installing a cam guys. I do have a haynes manual but I have heard that the book is wrong quite often.
What generally has to be done for a cam install? Just so I can see what I might be getting myself into. :crazy:
What generally has to be done for a cam install? Just so I can see what I might be getting myself into. :crazy:
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
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Re: Cam install question? (vetteguy216)
I'll tell you this, you dont want to be doing a cam change with just a Haynes Manual.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Oswego Illinois
Re: Cam install question? (vader86)
I have installed a new intake manifold and have the tools. It's just at the moment I started to install my SR and figured as long as I am doing that I might as well put the 219 in to help the SR out.
I just want to know what has to be removed I dont want to rely completly on what the haynes says :U
I just want to know what has to be removed I dont want to rely completly on what the haynes says :U
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,292
Likes: 2
Re: Cam install question? (vetteguy216)
If you have the inlet manifold off, next you need the water pumpo and timing cover off. Remove chain and gears , pull cam out, slide new one in. New roller chain and gears, (line up cam withe crank, both dots at the top) reassemble.
It is straightforward, apart from actually getting the cam out. The frame rail is in the way. There has been a thread quite recently on your options here.
The other tricky bit is getting the timing cover back on. It can be done without removing the pan, but it is a pig. Trim the ends of the lip on the inside of the channel on the timing cover, place it on the rubber gasket at the bottom, put two screwdrivers through the holes in the cover and into the threaded holes in the block, and lever it down into position. Use a bit of silicone gasket goo for lube an seal.
;)
It is straightforward, apart from actually getting the cam out. The frame rail is in the way. There has been a thread quite recently on your options here.
The other tricky bit is getting the timing cover back on. It can be done without removing the pan, but it is a pig. Trim the ends of the lip on the inside of the channel on the timing cover, place it on the rubber gasket at the bottom, put two screwdrivers through the holes in the cover and into the threaded holes in the block, and lever it down into position. Use a bit of silicone gasket goo for lube an seal.
;)
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
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From: Boston, MA
Ok lets see if I can remember in one shot what i had to yank to install the cam in my own '87 with the engine in the car.
1. Plenum/Runners/Throttlebody
2. Distributor
3. Fuel Rail
4. Intake Manifold
5. Lifter retaining spring
6. Valve Covers
7. Rocker Arms
8. Pushrods
9. Water Pump
10. Balancer
11. Timing Cover
12. Timing Chain Cam Sprocket & Chain
13. Radiator Shroud
14. Radiator
15. Move the condensor out of the way
16. Move the AC compressor maybe too?
17. Unbolt motor mounts and jack engine up to clear crossmember.
18. Lifters
I feel like I'm forgetting something. Oh yeah on reinstall the oilpan should be dropped to get a proper seal with the new timing cover gasket.
1. Plenum/Runners/Throttlebody
2. Distributor
3. Fuel Rail
4. Intake Manifold
5. Lifter retaining spring
6. Valve Covers
7. Rocker Arms
8. Pushrods
9. Water Pump
10. Balancer
11. Timing Cover
12. Timing Chain Cam Sprocket & Chain
13. Radiator Shroud
14. Radiator
15. Move the condensor out of the way
16. Move the AC compressor maybe too?
17. Unbolt motor mounts and jack engine up to clear crossmember.
18. Lifters
I feel like I'm forgetting something. Oh yeah on reinstall the oilpan should be dropped to get a proper seal with the new timing cover gasket.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
Re: Cam install question? (vetteguy216)
You really should remove the oil pan. Trying to get that timing cover back on and leak free is a real PITA. And even if you get it on, if it leaks you will wish you took the pan off. Taking the pan off is easy in our cars, in fact thats probably the easiest part of the whole cam install. Felpro makes some new style one peice silicone rubber oil pan gaskets now and using them almost gurantees a leak free job.
And BTW seeing how the timing cover is out, you should also replace that front crank seal, and when the pan is off, if the rear main seal shows any sign of leakage now is the time to replace it. That is also a peice of cake to do. If you got a high milage engine, check the oil pump for $45 replace it. Just my two bits worth of advice.
[Modified by tjwong, 10:18 AM 11/28/2003]
And BTW seeing how the timing cover is out, you should also replace that front crank seal, and when the pan is off, if the rear main seal shows any sign of leakage now is the time to replace it. That is also a peice of cake to do. If you got a high milage engine, check the oil pump for $45 replace it. Just my two bits worth of advice.
[Modified by tjwong, 10:18 AM 11/28/2003]
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: Cam install question? (vetteguy216)
Of course you didn't say what year you're working on. More and more people are leaving that "little" detail out, these days. I'll assume it's an L98. All the above, is a great rundown of the operation. The only part you may have to make preperations for, is Scorp's, item 10. You will need a damper (balancer) puller and an installer. These are two separate tools, by the way. You may be able to borrow or rent these at a local auto parts store. They really aren't a big deal, unless you are unaware, and you get hung up needed them at an inoportune time. Good luck, and...
RACE ON!!!
PS. If it's an LT engine, check out if the above applies. I understand they have a different balancer/pulley/hub set up.
RACE ON!!!
PS. If it's an LT engine, check out if the above applies. I understand they have a different balancer/pulley/hub set up.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Re: Cam install question? (scorp508)
His profile says an '87 so I went with it.
RACE ON!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Re: Cam install question? (CFI-EFI)
His profile says an '87 so I went with it.You're a good man! I refuse to jump through hoops checking profiles, etc. if a guy doesn't care enough to simply tell us what he's working on. Good luck, and...
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
At the very least the poster should identify his combination. Asking for help/advice and THEN expecting the person trying to help to have to look up the person's profile to see what engine he's running is asking a bit much!.
Using the search feature would be a big help too.
Example: A couple of days ago I took the time to list all the things I could bring to mind on changing a camshaft in trying to help another poster- ended up quite long. See "Q.: Intake manifold; injectors; distributor; wrong and right way to take off?" thread.
Now I see that it has been answered here- again.
I don't mind trying to help when I can, but posters could make all of our jobs easier.
Just ventin'.
Jake
[Modified by JAKE, 4:10 PM 11/29/2003]
