slimsoftball Posted November 25, 2003 Report Share Posted November 25, 2003 Alright guys that have already done this. I have been looking all over town to get ahold of 16 retraclable pen magnets to hold the lifters up during my cam install. Where did you get them, or did you have another way to do it besides the $200 dollar tool you slide in that can't get all the left side ones anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenKey Posted November 25, 2003 Report Share Posted November 25, 2003 Alright guys that have already done this. I have been looking all over town to get ahold of 16 retraclable pen magnets to hold the lifters up during my cam install. Where did you get them, or did you have another way to do it besides the $200 dollar tool you slide in that can't get all the left side ones anyway. They sell them at every part store I have been in. Usually right next to the register. They look like pens, complete with the clip for your pocket. Like pointers for an instructor, except with a magnet on the end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTex Posted November 25, 2003 Report Share Posted November 25, 2003 After doing mine, I really don't think they would fall. I did use the $80 dollar tool that doesn't completely work right, but sent it back after the install. I spent some time spinning the cam to push up the lifters, then would force them back down against the cam with a pushrod. It took several pounds of pressure to move the lifters out of the cups down to the cam. I'm sure that with more miles on the truck, the lifters would move down easier. Anyway, I'm positive mine wouldn't have fallen even w/o a tool or magnets. I thought it was better safe than sorry, which is why I used the JPR tool, but it wasn't needed. Check your local walmart or a small hardware store for the pens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimsoftball Posted November 25, 2003 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2003 Got it guys I will hit a few more of the parts stores. Already got Walmart, Autozone and O'reilleys covered. I know BigTex, I exaggerated a little on the price of the JPR tool. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanY Posted November 25, 2003 Report Share Posted November 25, 2003 If these motors are like the Camaro/Corvette LS1s, they should retain the lifters without special tools. On the LS1s, I believe you remove the rocker arms and just spin camshaft. There are some sort of plastic retainers that hold the lifters up (by friction?). I'll check the service manuals for the truck tonight and see if I can find any mention of this procedure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimsoftball Posted November 26, 2003 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 If these motors are like the Camaro/Corvette LS1s,they should retain the lifters without special tools. On the LS1s, I believe you remove the rocker arms and just spin camshaft. There are some sort of plastic retainers that hold the lifters up (by friction?). I'll check the service manuals for the truck tonight and see if I can find any mention of this procedure. I would appreciate anything you could find DanY. Evyone I talk to seems to think that they are not going to fall on their own. But I don't want to be the one guy who has it happen to them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenKey Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 Eric, Go to LS1howto and read the head install. It shows removing a nylon retainer to remove the lifters from the existing heads. I guess it is possible we have them and possible we don't. Hope that helps ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimsoftball Posted November 26, 2003 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 Will do Ben. I have read the Cam how to a million times. Didn't even think to check the heads one. Hell, I would bet the answer is in those 200 dollar service manuals I just had to have huh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenKey Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 Will do Ben. I have read the Cam how to a million times. Didn't even think to check the heads one. Hell, I would bet the answer is in those 200 dollar service manuals I just had to have huh? There's a good place to look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanY Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 I looked thru the service manual but had no luck answering the lifter question. The manual only shows a complete engine disassembly with head and lifter removal before camshaft removal. I can see the plastic lifter guide which I think is what holds up the lifters after you spin the camshaft. Sorry the manuals weren't much of a help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluHawk141 Posted November 27, 2003 Report Share Posted November 27, 2003 We use the pen magnets when doing a cam swap. Under your heads are plastic retainers which keep the roller lifters from rotating and will hold the lifters up by friction. For the price of the pen magnets we use them as a safety. We have seen only a few motors that needed the magnets to hold the lifters up. Think of it this way, if you loose a lifter you will be most likely dropping the oil pan if you are lucky enough for it to fall all the way down there to get it out, and then pulling off your exhaust manifold, intake manifold, and head. Plus you will need all new head bolts, head gasket, and exhaust manifold gasket. So the $16 for magnets is much cheaper than the alternative. If you have any questions on the cam swap I am more than willing to help you out. You will need a front cover alignment tool too. We made our own, instead of the $300 Kent Moore one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenKey Posted November 27, 2003 Report Share Posted November 27, 2003 What exactly is a front cover alignment tool? I didn't use one or need one. Not debating you, just wonder what it is? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluHawk141 Posted November 27, 2003 Report Share Posted November 27, 2003 If you don't have the front cover aligned perfectly you will get a slight, or somewhat major oil leak between the balancer and the front cover seal. Also you should always replace the seal when removing the front cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippy Posted November 27, 2003 Report Share Posted November 27, 2003 the kent moore tools for it are about 20 feet or so from my desk at work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimsoftball Posted November 27, 2003 Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2003 I finally tracked down all the pen magnets I need so I should be good to go now. Ben, you got a leak around the front cover? My service manuals didn't mention anything about a front cover alignment tool. Of course maybe this is why the LS1how to article has you smearing create-a-gasket in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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