Cam timing question
 

My 87 930 has developed a steady oil leak between the chain box and cam tower on the passenger side. I'd like to fix this with a partial drop and the bumper and muffler off, rather than pulling the engine.

If I measure the lift and mark where the pin is, then set the crank at Z1, can I put it back together without having to open up and time the other side?

My recollection from tearing down my SC is that the cam has to come out to pull the chain box and replace the paper gasket. Will the cam come out if I just back of the tapets all the way or do the rockers have to come out? I have 964 cams.

Thanks,
Steve

Chain housing removal........
 

Steve,

The last time I tried to remove the chain housings from the engine during a teardown of a 3.0 SC engine, I was not able to do it. The camshaft was preventing the housing from sliding out. However, experienced people like John W., Bruce A., Dan H, and many others said they do it all the time. I believe them and I'll try it again on my next engine teardown.

My only concern is how would you be able to re-check your cam timing after you have successfully resealed the chain housing? One thing, the chain for both sides should be tightened or stretched (under tension) during cam timing process. Guess the experts would have something under their sleeves to share with us.

If I were in your shoes, I would do it in situ or engine out of the car but definetely re-check the cam timing for peace of mind. Following this thread with interest too.

Tony

The good news was that to replace the leaky o-ring and gasket, you do not have to take the whole chain box off, just the thrust plate. I tried marking everything after measuring the timing, but when I put it back togther, the timing was way off. I didn't think about minding the chain while replacing the seals and I am pretty sure it fell down enough to jump a tooth on the IS sprocket. It wasn't that big of a deal to start from square 1 and re-time it.

The whole replacement process took me 16 hours, but I'm pretty slow when doing something new. I didn't have to drop the engine and the access was very good. There's a good thread here with some pictures, so I didn't take any.

Replacing cam box seals

Good job!!!!!
 

Steve,

Someone very knowledgeable in engine rebuilding sent me a PM describing his detailed procedure about this job. While it was very doable to do it with the engine installed, no professional mechanic in his right mind would do it. Just the amount of time bending and kneeling to get the work done must be back breaking.

I was skeptical after reading his procedure. But after re-reading it multiple times, it made sense to me that it's doable and could be done with some degree of accuracy. And I believed him. This guy has rebuilt more than 200 engines last time we spoke and that was months ago.

Hope everything went well and happy driving!!!!

Tony

I have a lift so that wasn't an issue. Best garage money I've ever spent!