'66 BB CAMSHAFT REPLACEMENT

[Rob A.]

The chassis service manual indicates the camshaft can be replaced without engine removal. Is it absolutely necessary to remove the oil pan, in order to remove the timing cover, and replace the cam?

[Joe L.]

Re: '66 BB CAMSHAFT REPLACEMENT

Rob-----

The camshaft can be replaced without engine removal. However, the radiator usually has to be removed to facilitate this process.

For all practical purposes it is necessary to, at least, loosen the oil pan to allow removal of the front cover. Trying to effectively re-seal the whole thing afterwards is the major problem. In most cases, if you don't remove the oil pan and replace the oil pan gasket set, you'll end up with a leak. So, my advice is to remove the oil pan when removing the front cover.

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: '66 BB CAMSHAFT REPLACEMENT

---------Rob,While the pan is a little extra work,it is probably the easiest part of this whole job. Just drop the idler-arm off the frame and take the bolts out. Piece-O-cake! As a bonus you get to detail the pan while its out,as well as see whats in the bottom...........Bill S

[John R.]

Re: '66 BB CAMSHAFT REPLACEMENT

Rob, I just did this a couple of weeks ago and Bill is right, the pan comes off easily with the idler arm assembly removed. I ended up pulling the engine to find the knock that was the subject of my posting a couple of weeks ago. If I had known it was the cam, I would have tried doing what you are attempting. I was told that my cam went bad as the result of idling when the engine was cold and a lack of oil to one of the lobes but I am still wondering about that. I installed a roller cam and can't wait to see what it willl do after the break in.

[Rob A.]

Re: '66 BB CAMSHAFT REPLACEMENT

Bill,

Looks like I'll have to get the frame pretty high off the ground to have working room to remove and replace the pan. (but it beats having to remove the engine as in other chevrolet cars).

[Clem Z.]

Re: '66 BB CAMSHAFT REPLACEMENT

rotate the engine till the TDC mark on the damper is at 6 o'clock as this will put the crankshaft counterweights in the best position to remove the pan

[Rob A.]

Re: '66 BB CAMSHAFT REPLACEMENT

Thanks, every suggestion to make it easier is appreciated