Can only crank the engine a part of the way

[Nessism]

I'd try to fish that thing out before pulling the head.

[dantodd]

I'd try to fish that thing out before pulling the head.

If you get it out check the cam timing while manually turning the dank before you hit the srarter. The cam gears could have slipped because of the jam. Move forward carefully from here.

[lettuceman44]

Since I took the camshafts off I'll have to retime it anyways, which honestly makes me feel better because I trust myself more than the previous owner :P

I have no idea how to fish it out with tools in hand. I guess I'll try to rig something up. Need to find a nice rigid long apparatus.

Is the reason for fishing it out first is to potentially save time by not having to take the head off?

If the valves are bent, will it keep the engine from turning? I don't want to risk more damage. Is it safe to crank the engine once I fish that piece out?

[Nessism]

Pretty sure the valves are not bent. If they were you would have a bunch of valve clearance because the valve wouldn't seat.

[lettuceman44]

Pretty sure the valves are not bent. If they were you would have a bunch of valve clearance because the valve wouldn't seat.

Good point haha. Thanks for the help, let me try to fish that bugger out.

[hillsy]

Is it safe to crank the engine once I fish that piece out?

If you have the cams out, then it's safe to crank the engine......as long as the camchain doesn't bunch up at the crank sprocket and lock it.

[Steve]

Try using a metal coat hanger and/or a long pencil-type magnet to fish out the half-moon (if that's what it really is).

Looking back at a previous post (#3), you said something about the #2 mark on the intake cam pointing UP. There is no #2 mark on the intake cam, it is on the EXHAUST cam. The mark on the intake cam is #3.

Also, when counting the pins between the #2 and #3 marks, be sure you count correctly. The pin that is directly over the #2 mark is your #1 pin, so don't start counting with the one next to it. Similarly, your last pin (whatever that number is) will be directly over mark #3.

Finally, be sure to install the cam chain tensioner correctly. The instructions call for retracting the plunger and locking it in place with the setscrew. Install the tensioner, release the setscrew. Turn the screw back in until it stops, then back off 1/4 to 1/2 turn and lock it in that position with the locknut. Too many times, guys will turn it in until it stops and lock it there. With it locked there, the tensioner is not free to move and do its job.

.

[lettuceman44]

I GOT IT OUT. YEAAAAAAAAAAAA.

It was that half moon rubber piece.

Thank you for the information hillsy and Steve(thanks for that spreadsheet btw). Tomorrow I'll make sure everything gets put back together properly.

[lettuceman44]

Hey what do you guys use to lube the camshaft lobes and bearing journals? Does it have to be Moly lube that the manual says?

[Nessism]

Motor oil is fine. Fill up the area around each bucket and coat the cams really well. Shell Rotella 15W-40 is the forum favorite oil.

[lettuceman44]

Motor oil is fine. Fill up the area around each bucket and coat the cams really well. Shell Rotella 15W-40 is the forum favorite oil.

Thank you for all the help!

[lettuceman44]

Everything is fine, engine hand cranks no problem now. Timing is also set.

Thank you guys all for the help. Now on to valve adjustment.

[Steve]

Shell Rotella 15W-40 is the forum favorite oil.

Except for those of us who prefer Shell Rotella Synthetic 5w-40.

.