Swap Cam with out pulling engine
 

Has anyone ever swaped a cam without pulling the engine out of the boat? I was told it could be done but can't figure out how to do it without dropping the oil pan? I have a 420 HP carbed engine. Thanks

You have to trim the inner corner edge of the lower seal at both corners to get it to go back into the oil pan if you try and do it without dropping the pan.

Plus you need to have enough front clearance to get the cam out.

I have enough clearance in the front to pull the cam your saying I have to trim the inner corner edge of what? You lost me.

trim the corner edges of the timing cover to get it back on was what he was talking about.

Why would you have to pull the oil pan??????

There are 2 bolts that go from the pan up into the timing cover. Just remove those bolts, no need to remove the pan. If you have clearance in front of the engine, you are good to go.

I've tried this method several times with no luck. Installing the timing cover with the pan in place is pretty difficult and EVERY time I've tried it leaked badly. If you want to do it right (and only once) pull the motor, flip it over and get 'er done!

Good luck,

Kurt

on a gen6, doesnt the pan have to seal around the timing cover? I believe there is actually a lip there.

just thinkin back.....

I agree with Biggus although you can do it in the boat (I have drilled holes in rear bulkheads so I had room to pull them before) Its a pita. On a gen VI you need to drop the pan down even further or you will most likely break the ears off the timing chain cover ( 6 bolt cast alu type cover) on the mark IV w/ a sheet metal timing cover you can bend them a little. If you do it go heavy on the RTV. If it leaks another coat of RTV is a bandaid that might get you through the season. good luck SC.

Opps,,, Right,,, the groove for the pan oil seal on the timing chan cover needs a triangle cut off of each corner so when you put in on you can " fold " it back to touch the block,,, kinda hard to explain.

If you have the means though,,,, pull the engine,,,, I have done them this way, and have had luck,,,,but your asking for an oil leak, and doing it in the boat should be a last resort.