Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) camshaft install prep questions

[Mhannink]

ok so i just ordered a new camshaft for my truck. i got the f1 helix 2 camshaft. i am ordering a set of new lifters and a front main seal. i am looking for the tooling to do it too. first off where is the best place to find these parts and tools and second of all is there any advice that might help me out.



oh also im supposed to pull the cam gear off since this is a bolt of system that uses the stock gear. any advice on getting that off safely?

 

[Tinman]

I believe this is what you are looking for:



http://millerspecialtools.spx.com/Detail.aspx?id=558



No special tools are required for the cam, except the wooden dowels. It's the tappets that require the special tools. The kit above comes with it all. When I did my cam, I didn't do tappets b/o low mileage so I just got dowels from ACE.



Have a machine shop press off the old gear for you, unless you have the correct press. I had them put mine back on the new cam by heating the gear. It was a Cummins repair shop so they knew what they were doing. In your case of the bolt on, that's not an issue. On a older, higher mileage engine, check the run out on the gear before re-using.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I have a couple sets of new lifters. Remove the cam gear with a press. If you heat the gear to facilitate re-installation, don't go over 325 deg. F. Use a 25c car wash to clean the top of the engine thoroughly so no dirt gets in when you remove the valve covers. You can make up tapet holders from 1/2" wooden dowels, about 12" long. Slit one end about 1/2" deep with the grain of the wood with a hack saw and chamfer the ends. Wooden spring type clothes pins will hold the dowels nicely.