Cam timing

[SharkPilot]

A fallen secondary screw means my engine has to be removed and the left cylinder head removed. I'm hoping I won't find more damage than can be cleaned up and smoothed over.
That means I'm going to have to set the cam timing. I have an FSM, including the LT5 suppliment along with the GM video that details the procedures. What I do not have are the tools. I have always planned to buy them but never expected to need them so soon. Is there anyone who would be willing to loan/rent their tools to me? It's a lot to ask but it would make this mini-disaster a bit easier to handle.
I would really appreciate someone's help and also any advice that anyone has for a first go at head R&R and cam timing.

Thanks,
SharkPilot

[FU]

This tool may save you some time and expense.
Just a suggestion. It has helped me in the past.
http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...era-67979.html

[LGAFF]

Double for the colon check too?

[bdw18_123]

Originally Posted by LGAFF

Double for the colon check too?

[FU]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI1go72c5H8

[Bill]

Been there done that. I lost one of the screws in the #7 secondary plate. The engine does not have to come out. I pulled the left side head found the screw imbedded in the head. Removed the screw cleaned up the little burs on the piston top and head with fine emery paper. There was no damage to the cylinder walls. While it was apart I had the top end ported and powder coated and re assembled it. You will need the crank positioning tool (I borrowed one). I used drill bits to position the cams. Read the book and take you time. The biggest problem I had was breaking the head bolts loose, Impact tool didn't work. I had to use a long breaker bar and pull til I thought I was going to break something. I have put 15 - 20 K miles on the car since the repair.
Good Luck you will learn a lot.

[SharkPilot]

Bill, thanks for the encouragement. I have read about both opinions. Some say the engine must come out, others say it doesn't.
What concerns me is the tools. What did you do for the tools to set the cam timing? That's why I'm asking if somebody would be kind enough to either loan or rent a set to me.

FU2, thanks for the link to the boroscope. I may just go and get that. I borrowed a tech's from work and was able to see the screw stuck to the head.

SharkPilot

[Bill]

If you look at figure 21 on page 6A2B-21 of the LT5 manual you will see a small hole in the top of part #2 the camshaft retainer. there is a corresponding hole in each cam, these holes are just over 1/4 inch. I don't remember exactly what size, I think either "B" or "D". The shank will just fit into these holes. With the Crankshaft locked in place with its tool (I had to borrow it) and the drill bit through the retainer into the cam, the cam is timed.
If you need help or encouragement, I check in here almost every day. PM if you like.

[SharkPilot]

Originally Posted by Bill

With the Crankshaft locked in place with its tool (I had to borrow it) and the drill bit through the retainer into the cam, the cam is timed.
If you need help or encouragement, I check in here almost every day. PM if you like.

Once again, thank you Bill.

I have the video and FSM and the job actually looks fascinating. The problem I'm facing is the tools. I don't even know where to get them, if they are available at all. That's why I'm hoping I can borrow or rent them from somebody who has them. The pins to lock the cams seem to be pretty simple. It's the crank locking device and the chain tensioning clamps that concern me. Is it even possible to do the job without those?

On Monday evening my brother and I are going to attempt to reach into the cylinder with something (not sure what yet) and knock the screw loose from the head. Then we can fish it out with a magnet on the end of the boroscope. Needless to say we will be very cautious around items like the valves and seats and cylinder wall. Will it work? I guess we'll find out. I figure it doesn't hurt anything to try.

I happy to hear that you did yours in the car. That would sure save a lot of time.
Depending upon how all of this goes I may just take you up on your offer with a PM or two. I'm sure I will have questions once I get down in there.
Jim

[gbrtng]

Sounds like a possible solution assuming the screw is steel - you might want to check first.