My cam gear broke on my 01 ls 3.9. Does anyone know where I can pick one up cheap? Also is this a reverse thread bolt. I tried to get the cam gear off and had no luck. I even used an impact gun and still no luck. Where can I get a tool to hold the cam gear while turning the bolt? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks...
cam gear broke
- Thread starter bgr
- Start date
97stscaddy
Dedicated LVC Member
The gear broke? Got pics?
You may have valve damage if the car was running when this happened.
To hold the shaft still you should use a special tool that holds the shaft in place in a certain position, but there should be a flat section about mid way that you can use an open end wrench to hold the shaft still.
The bolt should be a standard thread.
You may have valve damage if the car was running when this happened.
To hold the shaft still you should use a special tool that holds the shaft in place in a certain position, but there should be a flat section about mid way that you can use an open end wrench to hold the shaft still.
The bolt should be a standard thread.
SPSully
Dedicated LVC Member
Petes... you post a god dman comment about your shop told you they could do it and I'm burning all of seattle to the ground!
unless you are very well versed in this kind of head.... I wouldnt go it alone. I rebuild motors and trannies all day and still want no part of taking these things apart!
unless you are very well versed in this kind of head.... I wouldnt go it alone. I rebuild motors and trannies all day and still want no part of taking these things apart!
97stscaddy
Dedicated LVC Member
It's just a sprocket man. One bolt and it slides off. (with some elbow grease)
Looky here!
I don't see how one of those big mamma jammas would just break without taking out some other stuff with it though.
Looky here!
I don't see how one of those big mamma jammas would just break without taking out some other stuff with it though.
SPSully
Dedicated LVC Member
DOHC 4 valve head....
I'll take her off, but thats about it!!!!!! LOL too many cams, gears tappets etc
I'll take her off, but thats about it!!!!!! LOL too many cams, gears tappets etc
97stscaddy
Dedicated LVC Member
Ah they're not that bad. You do need a different type of spring compressor to get the valves out, and you have to remove the cam bearing caps a certain way, but beyond that it's no more difficult than a SBC head. 
It's just like doing both heads at the same time.
It's just like doing both heads at the same time.
PetesSweets86
Dedicated LVC Member
Srry, no remarks from me......this is a kinda thread I don't touch cause "I got no knowledge of the subject"....but hope you're happy with this reply...
Great suggestions. I was trying to hold the the sprocket while losening the bolt and then the sprocket snapped. I did not know there was a place for an open end wrench. I will give it a try. hopefully I do not break the cam.
you are the man... It worked perfect. I held the middle of the shaft with a cresent wrench and it broke loose with ease. I was surprised to see thatv there is no key way for the sprocket. I guess it is just a press fit. Anyways thanks again. :bowrofl: :bowrofl:
97stscaddy
Dedicated LVC Member
Are you serious? There has to be some way that it locks in place on the shaft.
What are you doing that prompted you to remove the camshaft sprocket in the first place?
What are you doing that prompted you to remove the camshaft sprocket in the first place?
I did not see one. I will take a picture of it. I am replacing the secondary chain and tensioner that broke.
97stscaddy
Dedicated LVC Member
Ah. Good luck with that. Let us know how it turns out. Some of us are still trying to determine if the 3.9 is an interference or non-interference design engine.