What started out as a simple water pump change took a downturn after discovering the hole behind it. The cam key punched a hole from the inside out. Anyone ever had this happen before? Do I need to replace the cam or can it be tapped back in?

 

looks like there may have been a cam button that gave loose. Any idea if this has retrofit roller lifters ?

 

Is that an LT4 HOT cam, which has the dowel pin length for LT1 engines (~0.600"), and the pin wasn't driven in to ~ 0.300" for use on a SBC?
First time it was fired up, it tore its way through the cover...

 

I have no idea of the history of this engine. Bought the car off a trailer not running. Took a lot to get it running to discover this. Previous owner only bought it to turn it around and doesn't know anything about it either. Believe the car was sitting for approx 5 yrs not running or being taken care of.

 

someone has defiantly been inside the engine, the arp bolts are not stock. pull the cover and further inspect.

 

I see the shiny dowel

 

That's the plan for later today. Hoping not to have to pull the cam. I'll take more pics and post them.

 

Okay, timing cover off, Double Roller timing chain had been installed at some point also. So what's up with that dowel pin sticking out so far? Anyone? Is it something to be concerned about or was the timing chain cover just too shallow for the chain/cam combination?

 

the dowl is out to much, you might want to align the timing dots. Then take the cam gear off and look to make sure the cam stop plate is installed. some lt1/lt4 pin can be taped in but hold a pry bar under the timing gear and tap the pin. This way you wont risk driving the expansion plug out the back of the block. Search sbc timing cover modification you can trim the ears so you can install a new cover without dropping the pan.

 

btw blue locktitie on the cam bolts and torque to 20 ftlbs.

 

http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engin...ng-the-oil-pan

 

It is either a cam for a lt engine or the dowel has worked it's way out. Try taking off the gear and tapping it in. If its too long cut it off. Be aware if you beat it in it will mushroom the dowel and will need some work with a file to fit the gear back on.

 

Thanks for the quick responses guys. I'll get back on it shortly and post an update later.

 

Rockauto.com may be a good source for the timing cover just verify where the timing tab is coated.

 

Using the LT4 HOT cam as the prime example: It was designed as an upgrade for the LT1 to LT4+ specs. The LT1 series of engines drove the optispark distributor off the face of the cam. That is why the dowel stuck out 0.600", which is too far for a plain ole gen I SBC, which needs about 0.300".

I was successful in using a hammer to drive the pin in further, without mushrooming. Or, cut it off with your preferred implement.

 

Yup, small punch and drive it in a lil bit. Just need it even or a bit lower than the arp bolts.

 

Tried lightly tapping on it to see if it would budge but it didn't. Didn't want to force the expansion plug out. Cut the dowl pin back yesterday. New timing cover arrived today but won't have a chance to install it until Sunday or Monday. Thanks Tuned Performance, MoJoe, Ramlt and TTOP350 for the help.