Camshafts..

[redsled87]

I would clean it with some brake clean and then hit it with some air if you have a compressor

[FrankieD]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

I have never "washed" a new cam.

Gary

Me nether I've washed the bare block & crank with dish soap blew it dry then shot it with W D 40 the cam is usualy clean if new but I don't guess it would hurt but I wouldn't use solvent it will break down the cam lube also I would let the lifters soak over night in the oil you are going to use helps pre lube them and gets air out of them

[GASoline71]

I've also never soak lifters in oil either. Simply not needed. You get a better feel when adjusting the valves with lifters with no oil in them as well.

Gary

[oldblue1968chevy]

OK so dont bother cleaning cam/lifters?

I didnt clean my cam im using now installed right out of box.

[litew8]

Basic instruction -

"Before installing the camshaft and lifters, wash them thoroughly in clean mineral spirits to remove the rust preventative that is placed on the cam before shipping."

I'd imagine it's to clean - so you don't contaminate the oil.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Huh? litew8?

So wash it in mineral spirits or no lol

[litew8]

Yes (just wipe clean). Dry good after - air hose (water free!) if you have one.
It's probably not THAT big of a deal (to have to clean), but you should always try to be professional in EVERYTHING you do.
You'll learn that in the military too.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Okay so wipe with mineral spirits (I have access to a parts washer) then blow dry. Got it thanks guys

[litew8]

Not sure what solvent is used in your "parts washer", stick with "mineral spirits".

[oldblue1968chevy]

Its old mineral spirits. Kinda dirty Its filtered but I think i'll just use some out a bottle.

[FrankieD]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

I've also never soak lifters in oil either. Simply not needed. You get a better feel when adjusting the valves with lifters with no oil in them as well.

Gary

been doing it for 40 + years feel is the same because nothing is pumped up never had a problem.

[oldblue1968chevy]

yay or nay on soaking lifters lol

i didnt soak my comp lifters (same thing)

[GASoline71]

No need to soak lifters. and I'm bettin' most of the cats here that build lots of engines don't either.

Gary

[oldblue1968chevy]

Should I bump the engine around to TDC before I take it apart or what? hopefully ima start in the AM soon as I clear a spot in the garage!

[68Stepbed]

Yes, put it at TDC. It makes reassembly much easier.

[oldblue1968chevy]

TDC compression stroke right

[prostreetC-10]

You mean to tell me this thing is not running yet??????????? LOL

[oldblue1968chevy]

One more thing

Im leaking oil from my drain bolt

I'll have it in/out alot in the next few days. Can I seal it up by putting something like teflon tape on the threads?

[oldblue1968chevy]

No its not even torn down yet LOL

I borrowed the puller tonite. Hopefully I'll start tom. soon as I build a fire and clear a spot in the garage out

[Captainfab]

It sounds to me like you need a new gasket on your drain plug.

[litew8]

What Captain said. You're suppose to change the drain plug gasket at every oil change (so they say). Thought you were looking for a new pan anyway? If the threads are stripped, don't know what to tell you - other than I think someone makes a repair kit for it.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Its a copper crush washer right?

I have a few around I"ll try that and something on the threads

threads are fine not stipped.

[litew8]

oops, no. I was referring to the nylon kind.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Ok 1 more.

My crank sprocket has 3 positions. With the dot @ 12 O clock (crank sprocket) the keyway is @ 2 O clock.

My motor has always ran @ 30* or so with no vac adv and its always puzzled me

Is something wrong here?

Thanks pix soon

[oldblue1968chevy]

Calling comp now I guess

Thanks

LMK what i need to do

ps how do i get the lifters out lol there flat with engine lol magnet no worky (sall one)