Well, my 617 project has turned a bit south today.

1) Despite my best efforts in carefully removing the camshaft sprocket, gravity has beat me and any components that were sitting between the camshaft sprocket and the camshaft decided to head south.

After removing the head, I searched the cave and found one of them:

It appears to be a large thrust washer. After some cursing and pleading, it finally agreed to see the light of day.

So, is there anything else that might be down there, or is the washer the only item between the sprocket and the camshaft?

2) I borrowed an engine hoist to lift the head. All bolts out. Even the two small bolts up in front.

Crane lifts up. So does front end.

You fellows failed to tell me that there are two screws hiding inside the chain gallery and you must do surgery to get them out. One mistake and you know where they are going to go. Fortunately, this does not happen.

3) Now, all bolts out, positively.

Crane lifts up. So does front end.

WTF. Well, it seems that the head got caught on the tensioning rail somehow. Never would have believed it, but, after freeing it, the head comes up without a problem. Wiring the chain above the block so it can't fall into the gallery is successful.

4) Now with the head off:

There is the idler sprocket in the head. I presume that this should be removed prior to sending the head to the machine shop (and the tank). But, I can't find any procedure in the manual and it's not obvious how the shaft comes out of the sprocket. There is a small covering screw at the end of the shaft, but it does not extend into the sprocket.

Should it be removed and, if so, what's the procedure?

Damn you worked outside in this heat today? It's around 100F here!

It's not that bad here. Maybe 85F or so. I'm in the garage out of the sun.

It's only going to get worse once July rolls around.

only, brian, but is there one of those drift pins that hold it like the ones that hold the chain rails?

yeah, those allens inside the chain gallery are sneaky aren't they.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Brian, great story, gave me a laugh

I know I've removed that sprocket before, but I can't recall at the moment, its been awhile. Assess the sprocket and the answer will present itself

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Brian,
removing the sprocket is easy. If you unscrew the hex head cap the pin that the sprocket spins on is press fit. To pull it you need the appropriate metric bolt to thread into the pin. Using a stack of washers and a socket it is a simple process to pull the pin. The pin is relieved to allow oil flow to the sprocket and it will be readily apparent when you get it all apart. I can try and find the bolt I used and post the size/thread for you. RT

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ten mm wrench on the pulling bolt. seems like it might be like the ones on the thermostat houseing.

yeah. it is hidden under that little bolt... sneaky.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Thanks RT and Tom.

I figured it was some type of pin that had to be pulled, but, I couldn't find any reference to it in the manual.

Make sure you re-install it with the threaded end towards the front of the engine.

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Jim

....will do.

Can you comment on whether there is anything between the camshaft sprocket and the cam............other than the large thrust washer? I'm still worried that something else went down in the chain gallery.

for sure but cant imagine anything more.

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

One of the thermostat housing bolts worked perfectly.

cool!.....

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

The only other thing is the key. It may be offset or it may not be. If you can't find it, you know where it went

Glad to hear you got the head off OK. I'll be happy to share what I discovered when I took everything apart. Hopefully, your exhaust valve stems are not worn beyond reasonable servicability as mine were. Those valves were about $45 each IIRC.

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'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue"

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

listen, look, .........and duck.