Camshaft Removal 69 427 with factory AC...opinions

[Gary H.]

Opinions wanted...

Is there enough room to pull the cam on a 69 427 with factory AC without pulling the engine? Has anyone tried this?

Obviously radiator and condenser would need to be removed. Would it be easier to just pull the engine?

[Stuart F.]

Re: Camshaft Removal 69 427 with factory AC...opinions

Is this to be just a camshaft change for upgrade, or do you have other issues that may require further disassembly?

Stu Fox

[Gary H.]

Re: Camshaft Removal 69 427 with factory AC...opinions

I had the intake off last year...possibly the first time it has been removed. Cam had some flat spots. I will do lifters as well.

Timing chain will be done but I don't plan on doing anything else yet at this point.

[John M.]

Re: Camshaft Removal 69 427 with factory AC...opinions

Gary I have done this with a 69BB but no AC. I just removed the radiator. When you put the timing chain cover back on you must be careful where it meets the oil pan and the block but I did it a long time ago and have no leaks.
Good luck

[Jim T.]

Re: Camshaft Removal 69 427 with factory AC...opinions

Gary if your 1969 is an turbo 400 automatic, the engine can be removed without removing the radiator, just support the turbo 400 with a section of 2X10 wood. I did this on my 1970 350/300 and it has factory air. If your air conditioning system is full of R12 and you remove the condenser to change your cam, R12 is expensive. I tied/supported my 70's air conditioner compressor to a long 2x2 supported just inside top lip of the fender and saved my R12 in not removing the compressor for the engine removal.
I disconnected my hoods brace and supported the hood in a more raised position, did not remove the hood. I lifted the engine straight up, left the converter bolted to the flex plate.
My 70 also has power steering, disconnected it from the engine only. Did remove the fan and fan clutch but left the fan shroud in place.
I used something strong attached to the original exhaust manifolds and then connected to the lift.

[Tom L.]

Re: Camshaft Removal 69 427 with factory AC...opinions

I replaced the cam on my '72 BB a few years ago. Both the radiator and condenser had to come out. Started a big project but that's how it goes...

[Edward J.]

Re: Camshaft Removal 69 427 with factory AC...opinions

Gary, As John M. has eluded to the rubber seal on the bottom of the timing cover has to tuck under the block, This will be your down fall, as its a tight fit with a new rubber seal. The correct way to do this is to remove the oil pan. But if you re-use the old rubber and a bead of RTV sealant it will help seal the front of the timing cover, once the t/c is all bolted up, use your finger and smear some more sealer on the rubber seal from underneath around the oil pan to timing cover, and wipe the excess off with a rag.

[Tom L.]

Re: Camshaft Removal 69 427 with factory AC...opinions

Should have commented on the lower seal on the timing cover. I tried to cheat and didn't drop the pan. After a year or so the pass side corner began to weep. Not enough for me to drop the an at this point but it will likely happen at some point. Leaks typically don't get smaller. Good luck!!

[Jim T.]

Re: Camshaft Removal 69 427 with factory AC...opinions

Gary if your 1969 is an turbo 400 automatic, the engine can be removed without removing the radiator, just support the turbo 400 with a section of 2X10 wood. I did this on my 1970 350/300 and it has factory air. If your air conditioning system is full of R12 and you remove the condenser to change your cam, R12 is expensive. I tied/supported my 70's air conditioner compressor to a long 2x2 supported just inside top lip of the fender and saved my R12 in not removing the compressor for the engine removal.
I disconnected my hoods brace and supported the hood in a more raised position, did not remove the hood. I lifted the engine straight up, left the converter bolted to the flex plate.
My 70 also has power steering, disconnected it from the engine only. Did remove the fan and fan clutch but left the fan shroud in place.
I used something strong attached to the original exhaust manifolds and then connected to the lift.

On second thoughts, I left the torque converter in the turbo 400, just unbolted it from the flex plate.

[Gary H.]

Re: Camshaft Removal 69 427 with factory AC...opinions

4 speed car. This will be my next project on this car.

[Floyd B.]

Re: Camshaft Removal 69 427 with factory AC...opinions

Gary,

Just my opinion but I don't think this is the time to take shortcuts. If you have visible cam lobe wear, then it is very possible that your valve guides are also out of spec. I would also want to measure my bores. Since you would have to pull the heads to do it right I don't see much advantage to doing it with the engine in the bay. I would want the engine on a stand.

You mentioned that you don't think the engine has ever been rebuilt: how many miles are on it?