orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

Yeah, use the dowels...magnets are scary!

Xtnct00WS6

iTrader: (8)

Isn't the dexcool antifreeze supposed to be orangeish in color? It's green in that pic.

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

That isnt Dex.

Mark99Hawk

iTrader: (4)

Here is what I found:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generation-iii-internal-engine/487547-warning-about-wooden-dowel-lifter-tool.html

I'd use the pen magnets (or both as I did)...if a lifter falls enough you aren't going to get the new cam by it...

Mark

NassyVette

iTrader: (22)

Previous owner put it in...its running dexcool now.

SSmoked1

iTrader: (21)

I dont understand. Why not just pull the intake manifold? I have never worked on a LSX but ive done alot to my LT1. Im wanting to buy a LS1 but from what ive read in this thread it is scareing me.

orangeapeel

iTrader: (18)

Don't be scared to do it. If you get the dowels all the way in...the lifter wont fall.

Mark99Hawk

iTrader: (4)

You can't get at the lifters by pulling the intake, it is not like a SBC. The only way to get at the lifters is by pulling the heads.

Mark

eallanboggs

iTrader: (1)

Put the binders on Mark99Hawk! What do you mean it's not "like" a SBC? It's not just like one it IS one. It damn sure isn't a big block. It's not like the SBC that has roots in the early 60s and ranges in size from 265 cu. in to over 400 cu.in., but it is in fact a SBC as is the LT1.

FstBlkz28

iTrader: (13)

I'd never use magnets again. I had a nightmare of an install using them. I used the dowels to install a cam on my buddy's z28 and they worked like a dream.

Cut them down so that they'll fit all the way into the block with a few inches sticking out.
Sharpen (bluntly) one end to a round point.
Spin cam gear quickly in both directions to get the lifters up, then slide the dowels in.
Once they're all the way in ... pull the cam out and you'll be set.

shouldaboughttheZ

iTrader: (8)

I fabed up my own rods.

When I slide them in, it felt like they were not holding anything up. Had my friend hold the rods in while I removed the cam.

SUX2BU

iTrader: (14)

I don't use anything on the lifters when i pull cams out. I've done maybe 100 cams. every once in a blue moon i get a lifter or two that won't stay up. i use pen magnets ONLY on the ones that won't stay up. you put the pen magnt in and pull it up as far as you can (fully extending the pen) and then zip tie it to something so it WON'T fall.

2001bluerata

iTrader: (2)

Ok just tried the dowels. I can only pull the cam out about a 1/2' then it hits something like it's stuck. kind a spin a little bit and nothing. did a lifter fall? I can still push the cam back in that 1/2". I just won't pull out, I'm I suppose to yank on the darn thing ti get it going?

2001bluerata

iTrader: (2)

t t t

2001bluerata

iTrader: (2)

Why is this so hard, people do it all the time. I can only get it a 1/2-3/4' out and then it hits something, what's the deal. I turn, turn, turn and pull and nothing.

Is a lifter sliding down or what, these dowels aren't holding them.

Is buying the JRP tool gonna make it any easier?

Should I pull the intake or possibly the heads?

Please some help

dregnier0

Did mine this weekend with the pen magnet method. I put a small bead of crazy glue on the outside edge of the magnet so the magnet will not come off the base of the pen. Worked fine for me. The only problem I had was pulling them out from the pushrod hole when finished. Returned all 16 magnets at lowes because it cost me about 90 bucks. Just wiped them down with alcohol and wala.

Does your cam go all the way back in or not? To get mine out I had to turn the cam in both directions and keep it centered i.e. up and down.

IMO Pen magnet all the way
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?article=23

1LoudTA

iTrader: (11)

a lifter sliding down won't keep the cam stuck, you do have all the rockers out of the car i hope right?...thread the waterpump bolts into the cam and hold it by the end, even though its better to help with installing it it gives you good control of pulling it out, mine came out like butter man, so if the rockers are off, pushrods are pulled, dowels are in, sprocket is pulled, along with the retainer underneath the sproket, it should be free.

2001bluerata

iTrader: (2)

Yeah I've got everything off the heads, I think a lifter keeps falling, these dowels are worthless. When I attach the magnets and pull up, I can still feel the cam lobe hitting it when I turn, the lobe must still be grazing the lifter even when I pull up on the oen and turn the cam I can feel it. What gives?

2001bluerata

iTrader: (2)

I hate to do it but maybe I'll invest in the JPR tool, but if it's fool proof maybe that's what i need, it's either that or pull the heads.

dregnier0

If only a couple of lifters are not staying up then use the clip off the magnet and tie it up to something. There should be no problem pulling the cam out. Once all magnets are in you should be able to spin the cam and not see any of the magnets move up/dwn. If they do then there not locked up. To check this gently push down on one of the magnets and you can feel the lifter ride up and down with the cam.