How hard is it to replace the cam w/ the engine in the car?

lil' Ro

[This message has been edited by Dan Robinson (edited 02-18-2002).]

Essentially it can't be done with the engine in the car. BUT there are work arounds.

Food for thought...

I've always thought it would be easy to drill a cam access port. Why? Well, V8 installs cut a port for the water pump, so why not a smaller access port for cam access?

Good idea mindscape......should work fine. I would only add that I would have the cam ready to come out so that you will know exactly where to drill the access hole.

Phil

------------------
GTDude
25 years GM experience

I would never replace a cam w/o replacing the cam bearings which has to be done by a shop with a stripped block. Only if the bearings were reasonably new and I just wanted a diff cam (not a cam failure) or I didn't plan on driving the car for very long.

It can be done. I did it about two months ago on my V-6. Drain the coolant below the water inlet by removing the block drain plugs along with a hose. Disassemble the top part of the engine. Disconnect ground wires and any cables that might get in the way. Disconnect the dog bone. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it at a reasonable height under the body just in front of the cradle, support the rear end of the cradle, remove the rear bolts and lower until the cam clears. Of course there are other things to disconnect like the struts from the top but, you will see all that needs attention. As for the cam bearings, it is a good idea to replace them when it will not set you back, however I have never read where cam bearings need to be replaced when upgrading a cam. Not even in the instructions for the three crane cams I have purchased. When dealing with an engine failure it's a different story. Cam bearings tend not to experience the loads that rod and main bearings do when proper lubrication is present.