- Jul 22, 2015
- 2,724
Headed back in the garage today to proceed with my project.
Got the other head off, all the lifters out (that was fun!), the valley cover off (even more fun)... and now I'm having some REAL fun...
Turns out my cam won't move (yes, I removed the retainer plate!). Very occasionally, I can get it to move maybe 1/2" or so. Then it gets stuck again.
At first, I though it was 'oil suction' holding it in (like with the lifters).
(Yes, I have all the lifters out - they're safe in their trays, stored with the other valvetrain parts.)
Finally, convinced something was wrong, I hopped on the web. Sure enough, it appears something is wrong - one of the cam bearings is likely seized, from what I'm reading.
Thing is, this engine had absolutely fantastic oil pressure and ran like a beast, before I pulled it apart. Regular members probably recall me saying this, on occasion. It's one reason I didn't want to put a high-pressure oil pump in.
I put a small plastic handled screwdriver (the plastic end) against the cam lobe in the front lifter valley hole - wouldn't move it. I can sacrifice the cam (by putting the business end against it), but I'd rather not do that if I can help it.
The other option is pulling the trans > flexplate > rear cover off, and attacking from the back.
If it *is* a stuck bearing, then a new one has to be installed. Meaning... pull engine (or drop the rotating assy, in truck).
It is an iron block, at least. LQ4 / 6.0L
Ideas? Thoughts? How f*cked am I? I'm thinking, "pretty f*cked", if my suspicions are correct...
I just recalled... before I took the heads / lifters out, it did spin freely... for about 3 revolutions.
F*ck...
Got the other head off, all the lifters out (that was fun!), the valley cover off (even more fun)... and now I'm having some REAL fun...
Turns out my cam won't move (yes, I removed the retainer plate!). Very occasionally, I can get it to move maybe 1/2" or so. Then it gets stuck again.
At first, I though it was 'oil suction' holding it in (like with the lifters).
(Yes, I have all the lifters out - they're safe in their trays, stored with the other valvetrain parts.)
Finally, convinced something was wrong, I hopped on the web. Sure enough, it appears something is wrong - one of the cam bearings is likely seized, from what I'm reading.
Thing is, this engine had absolutely fantastic oil pressure and ran like a beast, before I pulled it apart. Regular members probably recall me saying this, on occasion. It's one reason I didn't want to put a high-pressure oil pump in.
I put a small plastic handled screwdriver (the plastic end) against the cam lobe in the front lifter valley hole - wouldn't move it. I can sacrifice the cam (by putting the business end against it), but I'd rather not do that if I can help it.
The other option is pulling the trans > flexplate > rear cover off, and attacking from the back.
If it *is* a stuck bearing, then a new one has to be installed. Meaning... pull engine (or drop the rotating assy, in truck).
It is an iron block, at least. LQ4 / 6.0L
Ideas? Thoughts? How f*cked am I? I'm thinking, "pretty f*cked", if my suspicions are correct...
I just recalled... before I took the heads / lifters out, it did spin freely... for about 3 revolutions.
F*ck...