Would it be possible to lower the engine and remove the timing cover and replace the cam without removing the engine? I already have the top end off.

 

I can't remember if the engine tilts down far enough to sneak it out or not. You'll have to ake off EVERY mount except for the trans mount on the far driver's side. Why are you replacing the camshaft? If you're that far along why not just pull the block out and have new cam bearings pressed in at a machine shop?

 

I had a miss on the #3 cylinder. Tried everything and then took off the heads and took them to the machine shop. Checked the lifters and found three with gauling/ pitting on the bottom and gauling on the cam lobes. This has to be why I had the miss? Going to try and replace the cam (check the bearings) and lifters- hopefully.

 

If there is any way you can do it, get a mirror and look in the camshaft journals in the block and see if the oil holes are obstructed. Main journals feed the cam journals, cam journals feed the upper head valve train. If one of the cam bearings has turned and you don't catch it, all that money will be wasted. Is there sludge present?

 

Thank you. Looks pretty clean, no real sludge. I will check out the oil holes for sure, thanks. Do you think the bad lifters/ cam would cause the miss fire?

 

Yep, if the lobes are worn down and/or the lifter has collapsed.

 

Well to answer my own question- yes you can remove the cam without pulling out the block. With the engine mount bolts out of the two sides and the front one removed, you can do it. I did. A lot of work though.