ford 302 cam shaft stuck, omc cobra 1989

Capt. Zack

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 18, 2018
Messages
33
I am going to use the cam out of the morotr that was in the boat. I am building another motor to put into the boat. The cam that is in the original block is difficult to get out of the engine it rotates but I cannot get it to slide out. I am having the same issue with the block I am building. The cam rotates but I am not able to slide it out. I have removed the timing gear and the plate under it.

Any pointers would be appreciated. I am sure that it is simple and I am having a case of stupid. Thanks

Jack
 

kenny nunez

Captain
Joined
Jun 20, 2017
Messages
3,338
Put the cam sprocket back on with the bolt to hold it. Put a flat pry bar under the sprocket and use the bolt to rotate the cam and it should work itself out. There is probably a ridge worn into the bottom of the cam bushings.
 

jbetzelb

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
Messages
301
Agree with Kenny. Please dont be pissed that I am asking this. You have the lifters out, right? I ask because I had this issue once and it was because I missed pulling one lifter.
 

Capt. Zack

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 18, 2018
Messages
33
I am not pissed, but all the lifters are sitting in the blocks. They are free and loose but not out of the holes
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
Messages
50,338
you could put a truck on it to pull that cam out, and until you pull the lifters, it wont come out.

engine rebuild 101

I personally would buy a new cam. if you do not buy a new cam, you must have the lifters on the exact same lobe of the cam or the cam will eat itself in the first hour of running.
 

Capt. Zack

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 18, 2018
Messages
33
I have the original lifters labeled with which hole they were located in. Thanks for the input.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
I have the original lifters labeled with which hole they were located in. Thanks for the input.

I hope you are keeping the donor cam and lifters together.

I very much doubt the cam bearings are ridged. The motor wouldn't run so good with a floppy cam because the valves can't open fully and lash can't be adjusted.
 

Capt. Zack

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 18, 2018
Messages
33
Taking the lifters out enabled me to pull the cams right out. I can purchase a new OEM cam and new lifters for 90.00 and I am thinking of doing it just to not have problems.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Taking the lifters out enabled me to pull the cams right out. I can purchase a new OEM cam and new lifters for 90.00 and I am thinking of doing it just to not have problems.

Thought you said the lifters were out? As suggested in post #3 and afterwards.
 

Capt. Zack

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 18, 2018
Messages
33
The lifters were not out all the way. Seems as though enough to make contact. I was very gentle. I am a vintage motorcycle guy and these boats are foriegn to me. Be gentle and patient
 
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