(sorry for the double post but I think I posted in wrong forum up above this one ?)

'69 390 FE , hydraullic lifters

motor still in vehicle

We've removed the timing gears, camshaft retainer plate at front of block....as well as all lifters, distributor, intake (of course)...

And threaded the cam gear bolt back into the cam to get a grip

But we can't pull the cam out - seems like something is holding it in

What did we miss ? maybe something bolted to the rear of the cam ?

 

sometimes they will get stuck on the bearings just push in a little and turn then wiggle it out slowly are you just putting in a new cam.

 

Yup, we're going to replace the lifters and cam.

I'm wondering if using a slide hammer would be ok .?

 

no, it will ruin the bearings. i would not try to do all that work with the engine in the truck. you should just pull it.if it is a high mileage engine the bearings are going to be shot and you should put in new ones.

 

That's what i thought - and I imagine we'll end up pulling the motor before the fat lady sings

 

You can also pick up the block and shake it until the cam drops out.

Just kiddin'.

Sometimes the stick. Make sure all the lifters are out. If so, either carefully tap it through from the back, or lightly pull it with a slide hammer. Not much choice. There's only one way for it to come out.

-Scouder

 

Yep your going to want to change cam bearings anyway..So just put a slide hammer on it..and a couple of light taps to get the cam journals past the bearing ridges and it should fall right out?? LOL...

Russ

 

We got it out without major hammering, a few taps and a lot of twisting - but I'd bet the bearings did get some scoring.

Now I'm wondering how the hey do u get a new cam in without damaging your new bearings...?

 

very carefully!!!!!!!!!!! try getting the longest bolt(like 12 inch) you can to put into the cam..this will give you a little leverage and help steady it when your putting it in