Johnny5

iTrader: (2)

The stocker came out with no issues. I then cleaned the new one (TSP 231/237) thoroughly and lubed it up real good before putting it in. It also went in really smooth. I put the retainer plate back and torqued it down.

I spun it a few times with the water pump bolts inside it and it seemed like it was making a noise. It seems to spin OK but at one point it makes a noise like I either missed a spot with lube or it ever so slightly knocks something. I honestly don't remember if my stock one made this noise or not.

I'm not sure if this is only happening because not everything is bolted back up or if the cam could be so large that it hits something. I did check the cam card to make sure it was a 231/237 and it had that stamped on the back of the cam as well.

Anyone got any ideas or is my head just playing games?

Onyx Z

iTrader: (3)

Are the lifters resting on the cam yet?

Johnny5

iTrader: (2)

no. I have not put them back in yet.

marc_w

Just spinning the cam with no lifters in the valley, the cam is making noise?

That's strange...

Lifters, right? Not the rockers?

It's not just bumping up against the retainer, or sliding back and hitting the back of the block, right?

Johnny5

iTrader: (2)

Yeah. the heads are off, all lifters are out and it spins OK (meaning it doens't get stuck or anything)

Just makes a noise. I'll try to spin it carefully I guess and see if I'm making it hit the retainer or the back of the block. I didn't think about that seeing how you have to move your hand that could be possible when spinning the cam.

Johnny5

iTrader: (2)

if I spin it slowly it doesn't seem to be a problem, but if I do it like I did when trying to get the lifters up in the retainer it makes the noise.

I don't think I got lube on the back of the cam that touches the block. could that be it?

marc_w

I personally don't think that would matter too much...

(thinking... thinking... thinking...)

Maybe spinning the cam is making a little suction noise in the oil ports for the cam bearings?? I think the only things that should be toucing the cam are basically just the bearing surfaces and the retainer, if anything...

I'm at a complete loss for this one! Sorry!

SSean

If the cam slides all the way to the back of the block and rests there while you spin it...thats normal. If you pull it out just a little, where it would be when you bolt the timing gear to it, it wont make any noise there. I wouldnt worry about it

Johnny5

iTrader: (2)

THANKS.. I did just notice this when I was pulling the oil pump and chain and visualizing how it was going to go back together. I forgot the cam wouldn't be pushed all the way back into the block.

Thanks for the reassurance though... I almost **** when I heard that noise last night.

Rookie

Because your spinning it around and the crank is not rotating, I wonder if the knock is a lobe slightly contacting a rod?

SSean

No, its rotating against the back of the block

Onyx Z

iTrader: (3)

Yah, there is enough clearance between the cam and crank. Unless there is something seriously wrong w/ the motor, there is no way this could happen.

2000 Tran Zam

iTrader: (2)

so do you spin it till you here it click or what?

SSean

Here is an analogy, take your cup, or coke can if you have one sitting in font of you, standing upright, spin it around. It makes a noise as its rubbing against the desk. Now pick it up, and spin it in the air (just dont drop it )....Its kinda like that Just a little noise as it rotats resting up against the back of the block. Pull it out just a little and no noise. Its not banging anything

hourang

iTrader: (6)

the cam is not hitting anything but the back of the block, as long as you can get the cam in the cam hole its not too big.

Another_User

I had this exact same fear when I put my cam in. Then I realized (like has een said already) that the cam won't be resting on the back of the block. I felt a lot better afterwards. Once everything is bolted up it won't make that noise when you spin it.