Replacing Camshaft End-Cap

[MudBug]

The end cap on my camshaft is cracked and leaking oil. I've decided that it has been left like that too long. I have another one to put in now, and before I pop open my motor, I want to know something.

Can I loosen my cam chain lifter, change the end cap and tighten the tensioner back up without having to mess with my timing? If I don't rotate the engine at all it should stay in the same spot, am I right?

If I do end up having to do the timing, i'm sure I'll have a few more questions for you guys.

[MudBug]

bump. Should I have to do my timing?

[Rawlins350x]

If its anything like my 350 I think you will have to take the top end off. The last time I had my motor apart and looked, that end cap has a pretty mean lip on it that fits into a grove where the two tops meet. Though I could be wrong (someone else might know a trike).

[Thorpe]

I have a ES motor apart in my garage... I will go look and get back to you...

[ailll1]

Timing is a piece of cake.
you just need to align the 2 groves under the timing cap on the left side case.
Then, just align the timing marks on the cam sprocket with the cylinder head upper surface

[Dirtcrasher]

^ X2 Don't let the timing scare you!

If you entirely loosen the cam chain tensioner you may be able to pull up on the cam enough to get the cap on, or remove the 2 10mm hd bolts on timing gear, then you'll have plenty of room!

The easiest ways to do these things is the 1st - remove the spark plug and 2nd - Put the flywheel mark at T. That way you'll find both lobes 100% up or 100% down after you pull your valve cover.....

[MudBug]

If you entirely loosen the cam chain tensioner you may be able to pull up on the cam enough to get the cap on

thats exactly what I wanted to do. So you're saying that I might not have enough clearance doing it this way?

[Dirtcrasher]

^ I don't know?? Maybe you will, maybe you won't.......

Try it, the valve cover has to come off anyhow so at least then you can see the engines goodies and what MUST be done.

Regardless, I always put motors at TDC (compression or exhaust stroke) just so sh!t makes sense.......

[MudBug]

I'll get at it soon. and I will let you guys know how it goes, if I can get the cam high enough out of the journals to get that cap off or not. Thanks for your help!