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| | | | Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 | I'm getting ready to pull the engine from the truck to install my new cam and was also thinking about changing out the valve springs. I already have the new set of springs. The springs in the engine now were reused during the last rebuild so as for as I know they are 100% original.
I was wondering if anyone has had any issues with using the compressed air method to the cylinder chambers. I already bought that air fitting kit also and the special valve spring compressor lever. Looks simple enough to do before i actually lift the engine out of the truck. I take it its also a good idea to set each piston to TDC as im working with that cylinder as if something happens the valve will not drop all the way into the chamber correct? Any other things I should know about.?
Last edited by wolffcub; 08/13/2015 2:24 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 233 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 233 | Do not ask how I know however once you have it on TDC place in high gear, brake set and wheels chocked. This is to prevent the engine from turning due to pressure on the piston. Mtneermike
1953 Chevy 3100 261 and SM420 53Chevy 31001953 Mack Firetruck 1972 Porsche 911 1986 Honda Goldwing
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,777 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,777 | Another method is to push several feet of small-diameter rope into the spark plug hole and turn the crankshaft to cram the combustion chamber full. No way for a valve to fall into the cylinder that way, and no need for air pressure! About 10 feet of 1/4" rope is required.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 | So just pack the cylinder full of rope then hand turn it over slowly till it compresses the rope... i like it. Sounds easy. And if i do something wrong i got rope to hang myself. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 899 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 899 | Rope thing works, been there done that.
Brian
1955.2 3100 Truck
The older I get the more dangerous I am!!!!! | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,513 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,513 | I replaced my cam with the engine still in the truck and it went smooth. Are you pulling it for another reason? Good luck and if you lose a keeper let me know as I have a cup full of spares. I would also suggest a new thrust washer/retainer if you're pressing a new gear on your new cam.
1952 1300 Canadian 1/2 ton restomod You Tube | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | I believe all camshaft renewals require new or re ground lifters, otherwise uneven wear on the lifters will unevenly wear the new cam!
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 | I have all new parts. Cam, cam gear, thrust plate, lifters, push rods , springs, chrome gear cover, new gaskets.
I would like to keep the engine in but im not liking the idea of having to remove my chrome grill. It was awkward to put in and i know getting it out will be lots of work. But maybe its a good idea. Can you elaborate on what you had to take off the front end to get the cam out? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 | [censored] curt give me a call!!!! time for drinks! | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,513 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,513 | IMO it's a lot less work to pull the clip in 1 pc. provided there's a couple helpers around. I'll give you a shout this weekend and see if I can make time to come over.
1952 1300 Canadian 1/2 ton restomod You Tube | | |
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