Cam install special tool

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Sep 19, 2013 | 11:30 AM

99VetteFRC

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From: Felton Pa

Cam install special tool

I am getting ready to install my LS6 cam in my 4.8. I see there is a special tool you slide into the oil galley behind the cam retainer plate that holds the lifters up. I've seen you can use wooden dowels to do the same job. Does anyone know the size of the rod/dowel I should use?

Sep 19, 2013 | 11:37 AM

soundengineer

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seriously.......over 1200 posts and you cant figure out how to use google to do a search.....

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=wooden+dowels+for+LS1+cam+install

Sep 19, 2013 | 12:48 PM

Zmg00camaross

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I used 3/16 brake line. Bazingggg EDIT it was 5/16 now I think about it.

Last edited by Zmg00camaross; Sep 20, 2013 at 11:57 AM.

Sep 19, 2013 | 02:45 PM

i r teh noobz

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I used some random steel rod I had laying around. It was roughly the size of 3/16 brake line.

I think the writeup suggested 5/8" dowel rod.

Sep 19, 2013 | 03:30 PM

bczee

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5/16" is what I have read.. if you go 3/8" you should grind a flat spot on one side...

Others have used long pen magnets...

I have not had to use these so far..

BC

Sep 19, 2013 | 05:44 PM

LS BRAVADA

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I just flipped my engine upside down

Sep 19, 2013 | 07:59 PM

flywheel

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flipped mine over also....

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Sep 20, 2013 | 01:09 PM

gagliano7

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From: Monroe,NY

5/16 wooden dowels worked perfect and only cost about 2 bucks at lowes

Sep 20, 2013 | 07:13 PM

#10

i r teh noobz

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Quote:

Originally Posted by LS BRAVADA

I just flipped my engine upside down

I can't help but picture this:

Sep 20, 2013 | 09:42 PM

#11

bczee

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As long as it is in this position.. let change that CAM out !!~ LOL..

Sep 20, 2013 | 09:47 PM

#12

td1168

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Quote:

Originally Posted by i r teh noobz

i can't help but picture this:

lmmfao!

Sep 20, 2013 | 10:05 PM

#13

anheuserbusch08

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Turn the cam over a couple times till the lifters stick up. Ull know when they do when u stop hearing them drop back on the cam lobes. Pull the cam out straight and in a quick pace make sure u don't bump the cam bearings.and install the other cam in with oil

Sep 20, 2013 | 10:51 PM

#14

LS BRAVADA

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From: indiana

When you hear the lifters drop in the oil pan you know your done

Sep 22, 2013 | 10:55 AM

#15

Pop N Wood

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ls bravada

when you hear the lifters drop in the oil pan you know your done

lol ...

That would be my luck.

Sep 22, 2013 | 04:01 PM

#16

superbean

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I like to take two waterpump bolts and take a couple foot long string and tie it around one of the bolts, wrap the string around the bolts 20 or so times, take the string and yank it like a pullstart mower, this will throw the lifters up to the top part of the lifter tray and hold them nice and tight. For extra assurance they wont fall, I use two dowl rods ground slightly on one side to hold light tension against the lifter body. Pull cam out and slam new oiled up cam in.