cam won.t come out?

[Grumpy]

I'm trying to remove the camshaft from a 350 small block. The lifters are out, the heads are off,the negative battery cable has been disconnected the motor is on a stand and I can't get the cam out. I've got a long bolt in the end, I'm spinning the cam and pulling slightly while I do so. I can get it about 4-5 inches outside the block and it won't come any further. I go back to the shop manual to see if I've missed anything and it says "remove the camshaft."

If I knew how to remove the dog gone thing I wouldn't be re-reading the section on cam and lifter removal. What am I missing? My Dad would say I just have to hold my mouth different, but he's not around any more to ask how. I lift the cam and turn it in case the lobes are hitting something and that doesn't help and so I push down and turn it and that doesn't help. As I'm writing this a thought hit me. I can rotate the crank, maybe the cam lobes are hitting the con rods.
The motor has #1 at TDC.

https://www.ebay.com/i/402584062207...1291&msclkid=d17e7155654a1a20769a115a09f43c68


if the lifter base is well worn you can bet the farm the cam lobe is most likely also worn, and you'll need a lifter removal tool to pull the damage lifters up out through the blocks lifter bores

if the lifters are very badly damaged, it may be best to remove the push rods , use strong magnets to hold the lifters in place and remove the cam, then slide a section of pvc pipe with the upper half removed and let each individual lifter fall into the pipe and be removed one at a time and be removed rather than risk damaging the lifter bore walls, dragging the damaged lifters out through the blocks lifter bores

https://www.amazon.com/Player-Supreme-Golf-Tubes-Dividers/dp/B007BCW7E2/ref=sr_1_5?adgrpid=1343603775697452&dchild=1&hvadid=83975307164276&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=45536&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=p&hvtargid=kwd-83975585067557:loc-190&hydadcr=6896_10422387&keywords=golf+club+tubes+for+golf+bag&qid=1614444214&sr=8-5&tag=mh0b-20
the thin plastic golf club bag tube organizers are almost ideal,
they are available in 1.25", 1.5" and 2" diameters
as they are easy to modify for retrieving lifters from the cam journals, as the golf bag organizer tubs are stiff but east to modify and cut if you need to retrieve lifters by dropping them into the cam journal area

its fairly common for and older engine too have the "Fuel pump pushrod? " preventing the cam removal until the fuel pumps removed and the cam rotated to push the rod out of the way. HAVING THE CORRECT TOOL TO ALLOW EASY CAM REMOVAL HELPS

that was my first thought OR the cam is hanging up on the cam bearing journals, ID turn the block sump side up

and look at whats binding the cam
ID also point out that if the crank and rods are still in the block you might want to try rotating the crank 90 degrees as it is potentially possible fro rods to interfere with cam removal

 

[Grumpy]

at times having an inspection tools handy when you can't get a good look at a problem any other way
if your going to buy a used short block or a bare block from an un-known private source or most salvage yards, obviously you'll need to do BOTH a close inspection, WITH some measuring tools
AND get some idea of the blocks physical condition
this is also a good inspection tool
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-6283- ... pv618.aspx

GOOGLE PV-618 and PV-636

High resolution lens provides a clear image of objects as close as 3/4 inch and over one foot away while providing a wide 40 degree field of view.
Powerful lamp illuminates dark crevices on-demand with the push of a button conveniently located on the handle.
Ergonomically designed handle is comfortable to hold and allows one-handed focusing and light activation.
Rugged and water resistant, ProVision is made of high impact ABS and flexible cable sheathing. (Note: Shaft is water resistant, not the handle.)
PV-618 and PV-636 models have .23” diameter, flexible, non-obedient cable. Durable carrying case included.
Accessories available to optimize ProVision for specialized applications.
Made in the USA
Specifications:

Cable Length: 18" (457.2mm)
Cable Diameter: .23"
Handle Length: 6" (152.4mm)
Handle Width: 1.43" (36.2mm)Overall Length: 24" (609.6mm)
Weight of Scope w/ Carrying Case: 1 lb. 5.7 oz (615 g)
Field of View: 40°
Optimal Viewing Distance: Min. .8" (20mm); Max. is dependent upon ambient lighting conditions.
Lamp Volts: 2.7 volts (Halogen)
Power Source: 2 AA batteries (not included)
Pressure Necessary to Operate Lamp: 2.9 avg. p/psi; 3.2 max. p/psi


heres a cheaper version that works with a lap top computer

GCA 5.5mm Diameter USB Waterproof 6 Led Endoscope Borescope Inspection Wire Camera (5m)
Price: $18.50 & FREE Shipping on orders over $49. Details

• 
  
  
  • Waterproof wire endoscope
  • Diameter:5.5mm head, 5 meters long flexible tube
  • High resolution 1.3MP with 1/12" VGA CMO
  • 6 LED lighting adjustable, can be inspected the hard-to-see areas.
  • Waterproof : IP67, 60°Viewable Angle. Can take photo & video and save in your computer

http://www.amazon.com/Diameter-Wate...nkId=3UZMFXI3AEU527XD&creativeASIN=B00N4L5N4A