Gen 3 5.3 will not turn over

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 29, 2022 | 10:17 AM

jwise850

Thread Starter

Staging Lane

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 87

Likes: 3

Gen 3 5.3 will not turn over

Motor is on the stand and will not turn over by had after I install the timing chain. I can losen the cam sprocket bolts and it will turn over fine. It’s like after they are torqued to 26#s it snugs the camshaft timing gear to the cam retainer and will not turn over.
I’ve changed retainer plates twice. And this is my second timing chain set. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Jul 29, 2022 | 01:07 PM

Old Buzzard

TECH Fanatic

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 1,056

Likes: 470

From: Bostwick, GA.

bolts screwing into the retainer?

Jul 29, 2022 | 01:26 PM

jwise850

Thread Starter

Staging Lane

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 87

Likes: 3

Yes sir. It’s the new style with countersunk bolts

Jul 29, 2022 | 02:22 PM

jasons69chevelle

TECH Apprentice

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 370

Likes: 138

Did you install the thrust bearing?
is the timing sprocket machined for a bearing?

Jul 29, 2022 | 02:47 PM

jwise850

Thread Starter

Staging Lane

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 87

Likes: 3

So It did not come with a thrust bearing. I’m unsure how to tell if it’s machined for one so here’s a few pics. Could one be added?

Jul 29, 2022 | 03:18 PM

jasons69chevelle

TECH Apprentice

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 370

Likes: 138

That one isn’t machined for the bearing. Have you installed just the sprocket onto the cam to verify clearance. Without the chain
I’d switch to a timing chain set that includes a thrust bearing, if you do that make sure you install the bearing properly it does have a certain direction it installs, but will install wrong causing wear.
Summit racing part number

SUM-G6640

Last edited by jasons69chevelle; Jul 29, 2022 at 03:30 PM.

Jul 29, 2022 | 03:27 PM

jwise850

Thread Starter

Staging Lane

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 87

Likes: 3

Do you recommend any?

Cloyes Race Billet True Z-Racing Roller Timing Sets 9-3672TX9Z

but that summit one will work just fine.

LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Pouria Savadkouei

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Verdad Gallardo

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Verdad Gallardo

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Verdad Gallardo

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Verdad Gallardo

Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0

Brett Foote

10 Reasons the LS7 Is GM's Most Extreme Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine Ever

Verdad Gallardo

Jul 29, 2022 | 03:41 PM

jwise850

Thread Starter

Staging Lane

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 87

Likes: 3

Thanks! I completely overlooked the summit one you posted

Jul 29, 2022 | 03:44 PM

#10

jwise850

Thread Starter

Staging Lane

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 87

Likes: 3

It is weird though I have cam play front to back but it’s like the cam doesn’t stick out the depth of the cam gear

Jul 29, 2022 | 03:55 PM

#11

jasons69chevelle

TECH Apprentice

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 370

Likes: 138

Might be worth getting a GM cam retainer plate if that’s not a factory plate.

Jul 29, 2022 | 08:01 PM

#12

1FastBrick

TECH Senior Member

iTrader: (16)

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 9,716

Likes: 626

From: JunkYard

where is the cam from?

It doesn't look like its sticking out enough. but photos can be deceiving.

Jul 29, 2022 | 08:38 PM

#13

jwise850

Thread Starter

Staging Lane

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 87

Likes: 3

It’s an englin cam

Jul 29, 2022 | 09:07 PM

#14

Che70velle

ModSquad

iTrader: (6)

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 7,815

Likes: 5,151

From: Dawsonville Ga.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwise850

It is weird though I have cam play front to back but it’s like the cam doesn’t stick out the depth of the cam gear

Do you have camshaft endplay with the sprocket bolted on? Leave the chain off, and bolt the sprocket on the camshaft. I bet you’ll find your problem there.

Jul 29, 2022 | 09:25 PM

#15

jwise850

Thread Starter

Staging Lane

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 87

Likes: 3

None it snugs up to the cam retainer at 26ftlbs and then the cam wont spin at all. Do u think the cam is junk? Cut wrong?

Jul 30, 2022 | 05:43 AM

#16

Old Buzzard

TECH Fanatic

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 1,056

Likes: 470

From: Bostwick, GA.

What does the new gear look like compared to the one you took off?
How does the ft brg width of the old cam compare to the new one?

Jul 30, 2022 | 08:36 AM

#17

jwise850

Thread Starter

Staging Lane

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 87

Likes: 3

I think I'm going to pull the cam and check the lengths. Do u think this would be a good idea? I have the new retainer plate ordered to give that a try.

Jul 30, 2022 | 12:19 PM

#18

grinder11

TECH Junkie

iTrader: (1)

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 3,207

Likes: 1,611

From: Michigan & Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwise850

None it snugs up to the cam retainer at 26ftlbs and then the cam wont spin at all. Do u think the cam is junk? Cut wrong?

You did what I think Che70velle was saying, but you're saying it differently. Anyway, sounds like the timing gear is bottoming against the plate, or Block. If you have some dykem blue, or some paint, like red or blue, something easily seen, brush a light coat on the retainer plate AND block. SLOWLY....torque the gear/sprocket down, to try and determine how tight it has to be before it binds up. Check for binding at certain intervals. When it starts binding, turn the gear with maybe an oil filter wrench, or some sort of strap wrench, to protect the teeth. Then remove the gear, and inspect the paint for galling.......