IMS question
 

I am in the process of replacing my IMS bearing on my 99 base. After removing the flange the end of the shaft has shifted sideways so that it is no longer centered in the bore. Looking for a solution.

Thanks!!!http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1562453781.jpg

Let me guess: You did not lock the crank TDC, lock the cams, and remove the hydraulic chain tensioners before you pulled the flange. If so, the tensioners have pulled the shaft to one side, probably also jumping cam time in the process.

The solution is going to be complicated as you are going to have to pull all the tensioners and completely retime the cams, which is going to require some specialized tools and knowledge. Good luck.

JFP, thanks for the bad news! Better than beating around the bush, I suppose. Figured out where in the process I went wrong. Looks like I have some work ahead of me.

Happy to report that the problem looks to be corrected. With some minor massaging, I got the IMS recentered, and the new flange installed. I've turned the engine by hand a few times to check timing and it appears OK.

NOTES:
1) The importance of TDC is underplayed in the 101 book. Absolutely lock your engine at TDC. There's a reason those tools are in the tool kit for this job.

2) By "ok" my cam timing appears to be off just slightly on each side, on the order of 2-3 degrees. I have a plan to correct this.

3) I am an experienced mechanic and should have known better about note 1. But hey, the book said!

4) It looks like plenty of guys and gals got bit by this before me, reading through their trouble helped me fix mine. So thanks to all the others that have posted about this...telling the entire internet that you might have possibly f@$ked your engine isn't easy.

5) Read note 1 again ;)

If all works out well, I'll report back on what my "minor massaging" entailed in case another poor soul falls down this hole and needs some food for thought.

How many years ago did JFP report the problem of incomplete locking instructions to Wayne?

The problem with books is that they can't be over the air updated. Once you experience that you can't imagine any other way..

This was definitely a "live and learn" moment. Also, having done the short cut way described in the book, the right way is easier...even if you are successful with the short cut, the right way is still easier.

I have a couple of small bits arriving tomorrow, then hope to be back on the road this weekend. Between work travel and the cam issue, a two weekend job turned into a two month slog.

I can't wait to have my little runt back on the road.

Glad you got it sorted, and as you can tell by Mike's comment above, you are hardly the first to run into this. Wayne's "short cuts" have caused way more problems and agita than they solved..............