broken timing pin

[TShikoski]

In preperation for a turbo upgrade (21 to 14), I decided to "run" my valves. In spite of big bold print in the manual, I failed to disengage the timing pin from the cam gear. As you might expect, I broke the end off of the pin. Now the pressing questions:

1. Should I sell the truck?

2. Can I pretend it didnt happen and start the engine and continue with my conversion?

3. Is the hole in the cam gear a "blind" hole so that if I took off the timing pin holder (if this is even possible without removing the power steering pump), I might be able to drill, tap, glue, or otherwise get the remainder of the pin out of the gear without it falling through the hole?

or

4. should I pull the front gear cover, fish the broken pin out and check for the dreaded Killer Dowel Pin problem?



All advice appreciated.



Tom

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The tip of the pin usually falls out of the blind hole in the cam gear. It's real hard to get access to remove the timing pin housing. You can cut a u-shaped notch in the end of a piece of pipe and use it as a lever to pop the pin out. You won't be able to put the retainer clip (a star washer) back in, but the o ring on the pin is generally enough to keep the pin from falling out, if you want to replace the pin.



If you had a P pump I'd replace the pin so you could time the pump. With the VE, there isn't much need for the pin in normal service.

 

[phillips5]

Mine broke off 300K miles ago. Nothing has hapened . When I adj. the valves I watch the valve overlap on #6 to know when #1 is at TDC and like wise the other way for #6 TDC.

 

[AlK]

The timing pin on my truck is made of a type of plastic or nylon. I would think that only the tip at the front was sheared off and the timing gears would probably chew it up.

 

[Scot]

Mine ended up stuck hard in the cam gear. I pulled the main part out. Then, I heated a welding rod and let it melt into the broken tip. Pulled it out easily.