Tahoe Camshaft Removal IssUe getting stuck during rEmoval.

[paulwaul1369]

So I have. A 2012 Tahoe V8 5.3 LT 4WD. Im swapping out the camshaft and it only comes out 1/4 and then gets stuck. I've removed everything on the topend. Intake manifold, exhaust manifolds ( with rods , lifters, and rockers), oil pump, timing chain and cover along with the synchronizer. See pic to see how far it comes out before getting stuck. I've boroscoped it and cannot find anything. Does the steering pump have to come out too? Thanks in advance for any advice. Engine e is the gen V btw. Mahalo.

 

[strutaeng]

Umm, that's not good news it's getting stuck...

It's likely there's significant scoring on the journals and that's why it getting hung up.

Why are you replacing the cam in the first place? Going aftermarket or because of some mechanical issue?

 

[alvocado]

Did you remove the fuel pump? It could be a stuck fuel pump push rod hanging up on the cam.

 

[West 1]

As the cam comes forward you have to position it so the cam bearing journals line up, the location you are at is the hardest because you have little to grab to lift the rear of the cam up to align with the forward cam journal holes/bearings as you remove the camshaft. Get it lined up straight to the cam bearings and it will slip into the next journals. As you move forward it gets easier with each hole because you have more leverage on the cam outside the block to help align it for removal. Going in with the new cam you have the same issue. The farther in you go the harder it is to align with the cam bearings.

 

[SpareParts]

Did you remove the fuel pump? It could be a stuck fuel pump push rod hanging up on the cam.

That's not a problem on an LS

 

[Foggy]

OP says it's a gen V motor... weird ... should be a gen 4 .. maybe just a typo
Cam should come out without any special procedure. IF it is a gen 5 then the fuel
pump would just be driven by a cam lobe

 

[SpareParts]

That pictured engine is a GEN 4. There is no fuel pump to get hung up on.
He needs to support the cam and turn it gently while pulling forward until it slides through the bearings

 

[alvocado]

Had a brain fart. I've even changed my fuel pump in the tank

 

[paulwaul1369]

Mb. It is a gen IV. I did remove the fuel pump. Could a bad bearing? I've scoped it and found no obstruction. Wtheck? I bought a slide hammer to force it out. Think that might work?

 

[SpareParts]

It might work if you plan on changing the cam bearings also.
What fuel pump?

 

[West 1]

It is not about beating it out, that ruins parts, you have to align it and it comes straight out. Turning slowly can help you feel when lobes are hitting journals. If you have never done this find a friend who has before you do any damage.

 

[Marky Dissod]

... bought a slide hammer to force it out. Think that might work?

If you even try to force it out, whether or not that 'works', you might as well just remove the whole cylinder case from the engine compartment
and rebuild the entire bottom end at that point. I actually know a shop that insists on removing the radiator and condenser before removing a cam,
specifically to ensure the smooth removal of the cam.

 

[Geotrash]

It can be a little tricky, but rocking it around while rotating it always worked for me. If it's truly hung up on a bearing then it's machine shop time. :-(

 

[justirv]

Are you using any type of camshaft holder/installation tool? Having an extension on the front of the shaft can provide the slightest bit of leverage needed to help clear those internal journals.

 

[West 1]

It would be nice if guys reported back after getting help. It has been several days, I assume he figured it out and his cam is now removed?