okay guys, i've got a problem...

we're trying to swap a cam on my 2004 5.3 and have gotten as far as spinning the cam to get the lifters up... well, we can't spin the cam. at all. it won't budge. i don't know if it has something to do with my buddy turning the motor over by hand to get it at top dead center or what but it won't budge.

I need some quick answers or tips!

 

I know this sounds crazy but make sure you have the pushrods out. Unbolt cam gear and remove timing chain. Cam should freely spin. Let me know

Spinning motor over to get to top dead center won't do anything to jam cam. If you do above steps and still no luck you might have burned up cam bearing and its seized to cam. Unlikely but s&@t happens

 

I'm pulling the valve covers as we speak to remove pushrods.

how would the cam bearings get seized when i was driving this vehicle 4 hours before beginning the swap?

 

You have to get all the rockers and pushrods out before it will spin and keep the lifters up.

 

I feel like an idiot... Duh.

I was using the LS1HowTo website for this and completely skipped that part about the pushrods and rockers. Lol...

so glad you guys could help me out in my time of raunchy brain farts!
Cam came out and new one went in without a hitch and now plan to do the springs in the morning.

 

Sorry for throwing out bizarre scenario of cam bearing burning up. I just didn't figure you forgot to pull out the pushrods. But, hey, glad it all worked out smoothly for you.

 

I have run into a new issue...

i have done three valve springs just fine now by filling the cylinder with compressed air around 70-80 psi. However, when i try to do the 3rd spring from the front on drivers side, as soon as its compressed any you can hear air escaping out through the exhaust manifolds out to the tips!

what the hell is causing that?! I can't move onto the next springs without getting this one done..

 

Take your valve spring tool off. Use a small ball peen hammer and tap the valve stem 3 or 4 times. Nice solid hits with a small hammer. Then give it another shot.

Your locks are stuck. Happens all the time. Doing this will generally loosen them.

 

Alright. Got it. Thanks for the quick replies on a Saturday lol