Camshaft 350 v8 5.7 - 1988 k1500 Scottdale

[RichLo]

Wow, thank you for that lengthy response, that really helps us out! I agree with the other responses so far. Keep trying the easy stuff first like the fuel/air diagnostics stated by others and new compression check.

Camshafts rarely go bad but I'm not saying it isn't bad yet.

Then if there's no improvement and your still suspecting a bad camshaft, pull the valve covers and try adjusting the valves if there's one valve that needs excessive adjustment its either the lifter collapsed (common problem) or a worn lobe on the cam.

Oh... have you checked the condition of the timing chain yet?

 

[Joshgrizzy24]

Wow, thank you for that lengthy response, that really helps us out! I agree with the other responses so far. Keep trying the easy stuff first like the fuel/air diagnostics stated by others and new compression check.

Camshafts rarely go bad but I'm not saying it isn't bad yet.

Then if there's no improvement and your still suspecting a bad camshaft, pull the valve covers and try adjusting the valves if there's one valve that needs excessive adjustment its either the lifter collapsed (common problem) or a worn lobe on the cam.

Oh... have you checked the condition of the timing chain yet?

By adjusting vavles, do you mean just try to tighten them? I have never done a valve adjustment, but I have seen in videos how they adjust vavles on engine rebuilds.

I have not inspected the timing chain yet because I figured if my timing was right on the chain should be good and solid? Can i make that assumption?

 

[Joshgrizzy24]

Why not check the tappet lift before tearing apart the top end? Unbolt a rocker arm, and measure the travel of the pushrod as you turn the motor over by hand (or power if you like). Across a standard 1.5 rocker the tappet lift should be a quarter inch or so. Dial indicators are preferred, but a fine ruler and a good eye may be good enough to tell if its really dickered.

Is there a way to test the ICM? Would my timing be off if my ICM was bad because my timing was right on with the gun

 

[c1500deathtrap]

an icm can be tested by most parts stores just bring it in.

 

[Schurkey]

checked timing was at 0 degrees with a timing light.

Was the one-wire connector hidden behind the firewall panel disconnected? If not, you did this wrong, and is likely the source of your troubles.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Was the one-wire connector hidden behind the firewall panel disconnected? If not, you did this wrong, and is likely the source of your troubles

^^^What he said. Here's a picture of where the EST wire connector is on an 88, you may have to remove the plastic cover over the LIVE Terminal connectors. It is usually tucked up inside the wire loom, unless someone has already done this.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Joshgrizzy24]

I'll give it go. I am quite certain I never disconnected the EST when testing time. Didn't know I had to dang it. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Joshgrizzy24]

Why not check the tappet lift before tearing apart the top end? Unbolt a rocker arm, and measure the travel of the pushrod as you turn the motor over by hand (or power if you like). Across a standard 1.5 rocker the tappet lift should be a quarter inch or so. Dial indicators are preferred, but a fine ruler and a good eye may be good enough to tell if its really dickered.

Does the engine need to be top dead center when testing the lift?

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Does the engine need to be top dead center when testing the lift?

No all you need to do is take a magnetic dial indicator, set it on top of the push rods and watch the travel of them while rotating the engine, you'll find the lowest travel and then the highest, subtract the difference. If one or more are lower than the others, you have a worn out cam.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Here's one that is fairly accurate and inexpensive.

https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Adj...40&hvtargid=aud-801381245258:pla-566905294710