UPDATE:: CAM'S IN!!!! CAR RUNS!!!

[AZ3.8Camaro]

SEE UPDATE BELOW....


Okay I got to pulling the old cam out today and as I am gently pulling it out I hear a clang... The last portion of the cam won't come out.. After looking at it closely, the cam bearing closest to the front of the block popped out. I got the cam out and I can still reach the bearing with my fingers. I could probably put it back in the seat if I tried hard enough... Am I screwed here? or if I get it back in the seat will it be okay? Thanks.

[ December 24, 2003: Message edited by: AZ3.8Camaro ]</p>

[Magnus]

Wow, aren't really supposed to pull it out but you are to slide it out..

A cam bearing came out?! That's very odd...

I'm not sure if you can just push it back in place ..

However, if this where to happen to me on the V6 I would push it bakc into place, make sure its lined up ok and that there are no burrs or anythin and cross my fingers..

V6 motors are so damn cheap.. I'd just cross my fingers and hope.

[AZ3.8Camaro]

I wasn't really pulling on it... I was sliding it out, and on the last "lobe" where the cam rides on the bearing it kinda got stuck, I wiggled it a little and it fell out...
Can I replace all the cam bearings by taking the oil pan off???

[WickEdSix9838]

i dont know if you can change the cam bearings just by pulling the pan, because when you get the old bearings out you have to be able to get them out of the motor THEN be able to get the new ones up high enough to get them in...i'd just do what Magnus said, see if you can get a cam bearing installing tool and put that one bearing back in then cross my fingers and hope...

[Tiago]

start saving for that rebuild....

[Magnus]

If you have to rebuild it or yank it just sell your V6 mods and drop in a stock LS1. Even if it costs you $1000 more its SO worth it.

[AZ3.8Camaro]

I am going to get the cam bearing install tool and pull the front bearing (on the front of the motor) out and then pull the one that fell out (the next one in) and replace those two with new ones.

I don't think the motor was going bad, I think wiggling the cam may have popped the bearing out.
The bearing doesn't seem knicked or anything, I guess somehow I just managed to pop it out.. dunno.

But I will replace the one that fell out.
What do you guys think about that?

[Magnus]

Sounds like a solid plan.

The bearings are pressed in and shouldn't just "pop" out.

[AZ3.8Camaro]

With that tool I should be able to get them out and back in right?

Lining up the oil hole in the bearing shouldn't be hard because we actually have an inch long slot in the block under the bearing and the hole just has to cover the slot.

[ December 15, 2003: Message edited by: AZ3.8Camaro ]</p>

[WickEdSix9838]

its going to be a b1tch because that tool has an end w/rubber on it that expands inside of the cam bearing then you hammer the bearing out, your gonna have to pull the bearings out because you cant get behind the motor through the plug in the back of the block and i dont know if that will work very good...i guess its worth a try though

[ December 15, 2003: Message edited by: WickEdSix9838 ]</p>

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Ok guys here's the deal.
I think thhe factory may have bored the hole too big. The bearing shows no sign of a problem, no scuffing or anything. Neither does the hole in the block.
I put a piece of wire throught the first lifter hole of the number 3 cylinder and then out the front of the block so the bearint can't fall. I pushed it back in the seat and gently tapped it in with a punch and hammer. It goes in ok, but it is pretty loose. I put locktite around it to hold it and I am waiting for it to dry to see how well it did.

If that doesn't work I have a new plan. I will pull it back out, put hi temp jb weld on it and put it back in and let it dry.

It will be n-rigged, but it should work...
:crossed fingers:

[ December 15, 2003: Message edited by: AZ3.8Camaro ]</p>

[Magnus]

lol... i wouldn't put "contaminants" into the block itself.. could break down and cause destruction.

I think that blocks gonna fry. :(

[AZ3.8Camaro]

I think so too. JB weld should be able to hold up to the heat. It says to use on engine blocks... Worth a shot I guess....

I am way, way way way way up the creek without a paddle, or even a damn boat on this one...

[AZ3.8Camaro]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Magnus:
lol... i wouldn't put "contaminants" into the block itself.. could break down and cause destruction.

I think that blocks gonna fry. :( <hr></blockquote>

I think you just jealous of my oversize cam bearing holes....

You know what they say about guys with big cam bearing holes....

I just want to know why the bearing didn't spin before? The thing is fairly loose. Something was holding it in place....

[ December 15, 2003: Message edited by: AZ3.8Camaro ]</p>

[Magnus]

Whats the latest?