well here's the damage...

[justaZcarguy]

Below you will see the results of the cam gear bolt backing itself off. I've been told that this is not such an uncommon problem, espically in a motor that has been put together recently. This is a strange sich because this engine has about 20k since being built. So do yourself a favor and check that bolt!!!

Anyway, lucky that I was only doing around 40 and not running 'er hard, the end result as you will see is a bit of contact between the valves and the pistons. The pistons came through ok, they are forged. It has actually been an ok experience tearing this motor down, I really wanted to know what was inside. Turns out the cam is a Schneider Racing cam, which I never have heard of... Now it's time to take out the bent valves and look over the head.... Everything so far looks ok wear wise, cam looks good and the cylinders look great...

Anyone have any suggestions at this point? The head is allready polished and ported. I also need pointers on head gasket purchase, I have heard that Felpro has dropped in quality....

I hope this experience saves someone else the heartache, check that bolt!!!

Have a great day!

Brian

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by justaZcarguy

Anyone have any suggestions at this point?

I hope this experience saves someone else the heartache, check that bolt!!!

Just one suggestion...........Loctite (blue or red) that bolt and Torque to MAX spec when you install it!:classic:

Carl

[justaZcarguy]

That's the thing, I didn't see ANY locktite on the blasted thing, and that suprises me because the rest of the job seems really professional...

But thanks sir, any advice on head gaskets?

RIP Bambi,

Brian.

[2ManyZs]

I've always had good luck with Fel-Pro gaskets. Most of the suppliers carry them and have used them for years.

I'm surprised by the amount of pitting around the water jackets on the block. If you have access to a Dremel tool or something similar, you might want to try using one of the velcro backed Scotch brite pads made for removing gaskets. They will do a great job of cleaning the block in a hurry.

If you didn't take off the front cover, you might want to at least try to shine a light in there and check the lower sprocket, hate to see it have a tooth knocked off after you get it back together. Hard to tell what might have happend down there when the cam chain suddenly wasn't connected to anything.

[Bambikiller240]

I've also heard that Fel-Blow is not a good brand any longer. I have no reccomendation from experience except that I've always used a factory Nissan Headgasket when I needed one. I don't know if they are still available.

Carl (bambikiller240)

[justaZcarguy]

Yea, I like the scotch pads also, the pitting does not surprise me much, this car sat for almost two years before I had it...

I need to find a source for the valves, I was told that NAPA is repackaging the stockers....funny, the emblem on the stock valves looks like a chevy bowtie....

Bri

[Zedrally]

I thought that it could only happen to me.

You haven't said if where the pin is?

Hopefully not floating around the bottom of the timing cover?

Mine had moved into the cam gear and stayed there.

[justaZcarguy]

Mine stayed where it was, did you replace the pin? I'm thinking that would be a smart move.

B

[Zedrally]

I shipped the head out to a head shop, the damage was pretty sevre and it was more than I could possibly do myself.

They used a new pin [can't think of the correct name for it], and pressed it in.

Replaced the valve guides new valves etc etc.

I think it must have a taper on it and it's purely an interferrance fit.