How to get cam out of block?
How to get cam out of block? I've only been able to get the cam out to the point where 3 1/2 lobes are exposed(approx 6" out). I'm using the MAGNET method to hold the lifters up. I've tried wiggling, jiggling, lifting, spinning, rocking, etc. It feels and sounds like I'm hitting some solid metal object. Can't really tell which part of the cam is hanging up. When I first started to remove the cam the cam was hitting the cylinder #4 plastic lifter retainer. This was when I initially began to remove the cam. It was only 1/2 inch removed when the cam hit the cylinder #4 retainer. I pushed the cam back in. I then held my fingers on the cylinder #4 magnets as I slid the cam forward 1/2 inch. When the cam would hit I could feel a BUMP at both the INTAKE and EXHAUST magnets. That's how I figured out I was hitting the plastic lifter retainer and NOT the lifters themselves because the retainer is the only thing in COMMON to both lifters. I was able to get the cam past the #4 retainer with a little nudge, but once I got it just past the 3rd lobe it STOPPED. I'm stumped. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
Re: How to get cam out of block? Try making a lifter tool out of 1/8" steel rod. Wrap the rod in velcro, running the velcro long ways (you might have to split the velcro strip down the center). Then with the cam all the way in, spin the cam a couple of times in both directions to throw the lifters up and then slide one rod down each of the two holes up and to the side of the cam. That should lock the lifters up and away from the cam. Then when you pull it out, you need to turn it and finesse it out. You need to be careful of the cam bearings and just wiggle until you can ease it past those.
It sounds like you're taking as long to do your cam install is it is to do ours.
We just ran into a bit of a snag between the ASP pulley and the double roller timing chain. Time to pull it off and get it machined down, but we called it a night. Good luck and lemme know if you've got some more questions.
It sounds like you're taking as long to do your cam install is it is to do ours.
We just ran into a bit of a snag between the ASP pulley and the double roller timing chain. Time to pull it off and get it machined down, but we called it a night. Good luck and lemme know if you've got some more questions. 
Re: How to get cam out of block? Yea, push it back in and just spin it to push the lifters up. I did mine without magnets also, but use um if you've got um. When pulling it out keep turning it to keep the lobe from getting caught on the cam bearing.
TECH Junkie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,604
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Re: How to get cam out of block? Sounds like the magnets may not be holding the lifters up high enough..gotta have NO slack in the magnet at all.
The JPR lifter holdup tool is my new best friend for that exact reason.
The JPR lifter holdup tool is my new best friend for that exact reason.
