BlackGMC

iTrader: (31)

It has been forever since i have done a cam swap. I cant remember what size wooded dowel rods to use.

TXsilverado

iTrader: (19)

never used them myself...spin the motor, feel each lifter with the pushrods to make sure none of them feel loose...if all the lifters feel like they are caught securely, pull the cam and cross your fingers lol. never had a lifter drop.

03sierraslt

iTrader: (22)

I use magnets.

Jake75

iTrader: (2)

i think 5/16th if i remember correctly

Vortec350ss

iTrader: (20)

Thats what popped into my head too.

Atomic

iTrader: (42)

Just swapped my cam this weekend. Take all the pushrods out, spin the cam over fast, and just pull it out and try to be timely about putting the new cam in. Also try not to bang on the engine while the cam is out

Ive probably done 10 cam swaps this way and never had a lifter drop.

GREENSIERRA

5/16s is what I use.
I tried spinning it over and praying last time cause I was pulling the motor apart anyway and I had a lifter fall out. never again. lol

ezdaar

iTrader: (1)

Watched a friend do the "spin the cam" to lock lifters in place method twice.

First time 3 lifters dropped, second time 2 dropped.
Both high mileage engines.

First time, he was trying to sneak a cam swap from the wife. Lucky we was able to fish them out with telescopic magnet.
Second time, the pan got dropped.

gagliano7

5/16 wooden dowels

03sierraslt

iTrader: (22)

I've had two motors that the lifters wouldn't stick in trays, I don't trust that method. One had 20,xxx miles and the other had under 3,xxx

Have also had 100,xxx mile ones that would.