1959 - Valve train question

[tommy1961]

Hi all,
I removed the valve train from my 1959 352 without setting #1 piston to TDC. Am I going to have a problem when putting it back together?

Thanks,
Tom

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[sre]

If you didn't remove the timing chain it doesn't matter. If you removed the timing chain then you will have to locate the cam gear and crank gear in the right location.

 

[tommy1961]

If you didn't remove the timing chain it doesn't matter. If you removed the timing chain then you will have to locate the cam gear and crank gear in the right location.

Thanks, that's what I thought but the repair manual says to set #1 to TDC before removing them so as to not damage valves. I'm only removing them and the intake to replace a bad lifter; cam shaft will not move between valve train removal and reinstallation.

 

[Frankie the Fink]

SRE has it correct, the manuals always recommend TDC (usually on the compression stroke) before doing major work its just a good baseline...

 

[74 Harley]

These are not interference engines. You cannot damage anything by rotating the engine. However depending on mileage on the engine you may want to consider replacing the cam and lifters as a set.

 

[sre]

If you have a bad lifter chances are the camshaft is also bad. Replacing the lifter will not help. While you have the intake off rotate the engine and check the travel of a few lifters. I would bet that the cam is bad.