ls3 camshaft not turning by hand after install

[diablo0730]

Hello everyone I have been wondering about an answer for this. I saw an install on a LS3 5th gen and the cam would not turn by hand after the cam gear was torqued down to spec for the ARP Bolts. However when the bolts were loosened the cam turned freely by hand. This was done with no heads on so spring pressure wasnt the issue. What would cause that issue because i have no answers for the guy other than pull it all back out and start over checking everything again. My guess was a lifter was in side ways or something but didnt stay long enough to verify it.

[G8One2]

No endplay clearance.

[diablo0730]

Originally Posted by G8One2

No endplay clearance.

How does that get fixed?

[Mlgprodriver]

Originally Posted by diablo0730

Hello everyone I have been wondering about an answer for this. I saw an install on a LS3 5th gen and the cam would not turn by hand after the cam gear was torqued down to spec for the ARP Bolts. However when the bolts were loosened the cam turned freely by hand. This was done with no heads on so spring pressure wasnt the issue. What would cause that issue because i have no answers for the guy other than pull it all back out and start over checking everything again. My guess was a lifter was in side ways or something but didnt stay long enough to verify it.

Well once the cam gear is torqued to spec and lined up with the chain to the crankshaft..... You won’t be able to turn it by hand. Your basically turning the entire motor at that point to turn the cam over.

Unless what your talking about is once you torqued the cam gear on the the camshaft the gear is not turning even without the chain on it. Then I would recommend checking the lifters, cam gear, camshaft thrust plate, amongst other things. Take your freaking time! The world will not end in a couple more hours that it take to go over things.

I may be stupid, but It sounds like your guy may have forgot to reinstall the camshaft thrust plate. Make damn SURE he has a brand spanking new one, because those bad boys can, will, and surely fail.

Anyway, just my $0.02

[InFiD3ViL]

Originally Posted by Mlgprodriver

Well once the cam gear is torqued to spec and lined up with the chain to the crankshaft..... You won’t be able to turn it by hand. Your basically turning the entire motor at that point to turn the cam over.

Unless what your talking about is once you torqued the cam gear on the the camshaft the gear is not turning even without the chain on it. Then I would recommend checking the lifters, cam gear, camshaft thrust plate, amongst other things. Take your freaking time! The world will not end in a couple more hours that it take to go over things.

I may be stupid, but It sounds like your guy may have forgot to reinstall the camshaft thrust plate. Make damn SURE he has a brand spanking new one, because those bad boys can, will, and surely fail.

Anyway, just my $0.02

Yep. I had considered reusing mine when I did my cam swap. But I checked the rubber gasket and noticed that it was completely flattened. This is a commonly overlooked part for low oil pressure on start up after a cam swap, as they can have sealing issues or, if overtightened, the plate will crack.

Also, you have to make sure you get the correct one when buying. Some LS's used the regular style bolts and some used the countersunk bolts. The plate will be different for each type of course.