Installing Cam Dowel Pin

[blykins]

I installed the cam on my engine the other day and after I got it in I realized that the dowel pin wasn't in it. I couldn't find it in the box and it was a custom grind from Comp...so I don't know if they forgot to include it or what. So I have two questions now:

1. Where can I get a pin....and are they all universally sized? Do I need to call Comp to get one?

2. How tight is the fit? Can I put it in the cam with the cam in the block?

[blykins]

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[CJ428CJ]

I'd call Comp Cams. I'm sure they'll send you out another one. Do you have your old cam? If so, pull the old one out with a pair of vise grips. Messing up the outside of it a bit with the vise grips won't hurt a thing. Just put it back in using the messed up end as the end that goes into the cam. The messed up end actually helps hold it in a bit. Any of the ones that have ever come with a cam that I've installed in have been a fairly loose fit.

Chris

[FFR428]

Also some of them are too short to engage the timing gear. The one Crower sent me with my cam is way to short. I found a few originals that I had kicking around and from what I understand these can still be purchased through Ford.

G.

[blykins]

I wish I had one from the older cam.....but the other cam I had was a Comp custom grind solid flat tappet cam....and I sold it before I installed it so I could switch to a custom grind solid roller. For some reason, they left the dowel out of the box.

[Carnut427]

Figure out what diameter and length you need (1 3/4"?). Go to a good hardware store; they should have dowel pins.
Don't forget to loctite the cam bolt; I've seen them come out if you don't...it's not a pretty sight.
You should be able to tap it in while the cam is in the block...the worst that will happen is the rear frost plug will get knocked out.

[Jerry Clayton]

If the engine is in the car, where you can't get to the rear plug, you can put a pry bar thru a lifter hole , behing a cam lube on the cylinder on the opposite bank, tap the pin in and no chance of knocking the cam plug loose

Jerry

[CJ428CJ]

I think the last cam I bought came with a dowel pin that was 1-1/4 inches long which was too short. I think you need one that's a least 1-1/2 inches long.

Chris

[blykins]

That's the only thing I was worried about...knocking the cam plug out. Shoot it's a brand new build I just started....if I have to yank the cam, it's not gonna make me cry....but the easier the better. I was thinking about installing the cam bolt, then holding back on the cam with a screwdriver between the block and the bolt....then tapping the dowel in.

[trularin]

CAM pins are generally s snug fit. I usually use the freeze and heat method with a plastic hammer as persuasion.

Additionally, may I suggest you get the hardened unit from Comp. They should send it to you free.

[Michael C Henry]

I managed to break the original dowl pin in my Comp cam. It was a ***** to drill to get it out in the car, but I did it.Solid carbide 5/32" bit and a Drill Doctor two days and bloody arms .Drillbit was eventually too short and had to but a 1/8 carbide tipped bit ment for drilling safes, strait flutes.

[byron w]

Brent,
The Ford number on the cam dowel is : 73357-S with a locator of N-87-C. The pin is no longer serviced by Ford however several dealers nationwide show it on their locator system. Go to your local Ford Dealer, have them locate a dealer near you and get your dowel pin.
Later,
Byron

[blykins]

Thanks Byron. I needed a few other goodies, so I called KC and snagged one.

[Carnut427]

For future info: Dowel pins are a standard item, and are hard; available at a bolt & nut house if not your local hardware store, usually in the yellow drawer-type bins.

[FFR428]

Byron thanks for that info! Good to know.

G.