Camshaft Replacement

[hakstooy]

I know I saw info on this before, but I can't find it.

Anyway, I'm replacing the cam in my 302 and I'm wondering what all I'm gonna need for this.

I got gaskets for the valve covers, intake and timing. Anything else I'll need?

Also, am I gonna have to take off the grill to do this? If so, is there a trick to getting it off without bunking up the paint along that seam?

 

[74bronc]

I tried every which way to get the cam out of my 302 w/o pulling the grill and it can't be done with the engine sitting in its mounts. It lacks about 3 inches to get it out. If you are going to pull the grill off, I would cut the paint in the seam with a razor blade before removing any bolts so that you don't tear or chip the paint when it comes off.

I had an old rusty, crappy grill on my bronco at the time so I cut out one of the grill spokes and pulled the cam out. I have since chucked that grill in the dumpster and installed a new grill. Does't sound like that is an option for you.

The other option, if you have an engine hoist would be to remove the motor mount bolts and transfer case mounts and see if the engine will pivot up high enough to get the cam out. This is a thought I just had, so I don't know if it will work.

 

[wildbill]

;D ;D ;D What I have done is take the grill bolts on one side off and on the other side just lose and the grill will swing out fare enough that the can will clear everthing and then just bolt it all back good luck.;D ;D ;D Bill 8) %)

 

[hakstooy]

If I separate that seam, what do I use to fill it in again?

 

[67ster]

There shouldn't be any filler in that seam , perhaps it's just a bunch of paint ? If some PO did fill that seam , you are in for some refinish work. Give the razor knife a try first.

 

[66horse]

The other option, if you have an engine hoist would be to remove the motor mount bolts and transfer case mounts and see if the engine will pivot up high enough to get the cam out. This is a thought I just had, so I don't know if it will work.

I have been thinking about this option for a few weeks now. Any body done this? I am thinking about changing cams to a better cam and HO firing order but dont want to pull the whole thing. I was thinking this might work.

 

[hakstooy]

There is definitely something in that seam, some sort of soft butyl caulk maybe?

Is there not supposed to be anything in this seam?

 

[74bronc]

There shouldn't be any filler in that seam , perhaps it's just a bunch of paint ? If some PO did fill that seam , you are in for some refinish work. Give the razor knife a try first.

They put seam sealer in it from the factory.