questions before re-assembling/installing heads

[SVT#4967]

I have the 2 Volume Service Manual set.

I read and re-read it a few times. I think I got it now though.

But when it says install the cam caps loosely, does that mean set them in their positions but not tapping or pushing the dowels completely into the heads? Cause later in the steps it then says to tighten the cap caps in multiple passes, I assume this is what pulls the cam caps completely down? Is the camshafts supposed to be loose so I can move it to install the roller followers?

Also, order in which to install the cam caps. It says to not install the thrust caps before installing the cam caps. I take this as...
1-put camshaft into the head
2-loosely put the cam caps in with bolts
3-install timing chains, guides, tensioners, etc.
4-install roller followers
5-align camshaft by installing thrust caps
6-torque cam caps down in several passes
7-after cam caps are completely torqued down then proceed to torque down the thrust caps in several passes

Correct?

I got the assembly lube and I am ready to start putting things together.

 

[eepals]

I thought when I did my reassembly the cam cap sat down into the head with just tightening the bolts by hand.

Since you will be turning the engine to the 3 or 11 o'clock position when installing the left or right banks fingers followers, you turn the cam lobes to the round portion of the profile. freeing up some space, so you can fit the followers.

The steped portion of the torque sequence is for the fact the you are now compressing the valves(now that the follwers are installed) randomly you want to take the cam down in steps so you don't bend/bind things up.

 

[SVT#4967]

so am I correct in thinking that I don't put any bolts in the thrust caps until the cam caps are completely torqued? But I should still have the thrust caps in place to align the camshaft correct?

I don't know if the cam caps will sit down into the head or not, it was just a guess as I haven't started doing anything yet. I will be going outside to start as soon as I'm done speaking with you.

 

[eepals]

so am I correct in thinking that I don't put any bolts in the thrust caps until the cam caps are completely torqued? But I should still have the thrust caps in place to align the camshaft correct?...

Your close to correct.

See Note:
"With the (left or right) finger followers installed, "align" the camshaft end play using the thrust caps as a guide before tightening the journal caps"
Tighten the caps in the sequence they show. Notice the trust caps are tightened last.

 

[SVT#4967]

yes, but it also says to not to install the thrust caps until cam caps are installed. Does that mean install the cam caps first then the thrust caps, next finger tighten all the bolts including the thrust caps, then continue by torquing the cam cap bolt first and the the thrust caps?

It also says to tighten the cam cap bolts in the indicated sequence in several passes. Doesn't say anything about the thrust caps.

Thats where I'm getting lost, they don't describe the procedure clear enough to fully understand what it is they are saying. I'm not sure at what I should be placing the thrust caps on the head, when I should install the bolts figure tight or when I should be torquing the thrust cap bolts.

Could you please put that in easy to understand terms? It seems like the more I think about the more I cant figure it out 100%.

 

[eepals]

Where are the engine builders, I'm not the expert here.

I agree, it is confusing as writtened.

When the cam caps are reinstalled with or without the followers installed you can move them back and forth. Just align to the old ware marks when ready to do the final tightening. I just tighten the cams down in steps I didn't install the thrust caps till I had the cams snug to the head then I torqued it down as stated.

 

[SVT#4967]

so did you snug (not torque) the cam caps, then installed and snugged (again not torqued) the thrust caps? Then after all caps were installed and snugged you went and torqued all the bolt in several passes in the indicated sequence?

Did I understand you correctly?

I have the hydraulic valve lash adjusters installed and I am currently lubing the LH camshafts and putting them in.

Also, when you said you aligned the wear marks, I assume you were going off the cam lobes and roller followers?

and thanks for your help thus far and hopefully continued help.

 

[eepals]

so did you snug (not torque) the cam caps, then installed and snugged (again not torqued) the thrust caps? Then after all caps were installed and snugged you went and torqued all the bolt in several passes in the indicated sequence?

Did I understand you correctly?

I have the hydraulic valve lash adjusters installed and I am currently lubing the LH camshafts and putting them in.

Also, when you said you aligned the wear marks, I assume you were going off the cam lobes and roller followers?

and thanks for your help thus far and hopefully continued help.

Correct.

The ware mark between the cam lobes and caps edges, you will see the old "Witness" marks on the cam bearings, where the cam originally rode.

I don't mind helping, I'm just suprised no one with more experience hasn't posted. LOL

 

[SVT#4967]

gotcha, I will give that a shot then.

yeah, I see the wear marks. I have them lined up right now on the LH head with the camshafts and cam caps in place. I am about to install the bolts finger tight and then move over to the RH head.

Go step by step and taking my time. Hopefully I can get the chains and everything installed tonight, if not they will go in tomorrow.

 

[SVT#4967]

well, I'm done for tonight, it's late and I'm going to bed.

I got the valve lash adjusters lubed and installed. Got the camshafts lubed and installed. Loosely installed the cam caps, minus the thrust caps. Got the timing chain guides, timing chains and new tensioners installed as well. Lubed and installed the LH roller followers. Not bad, will finish up the heads tomorrow and hopefully get the valve covers, front cover and oil pan installed as well.

The parts for my oil filter relocation will be in tomorrow so I will finish removing the front bumped and start on the oil filter relocation after I get the valve covers, front cover and oil pan installed.