Is there a thread showing how to install lifters with the crank in place and not pulling the engine.  

My recollection is that there is mention of installing new lifters and a cam in a y-block with the engine still in the vehicle in an earlier thread here on the Forum.  I THINK it was John "Hoosier Hurricane" who indicated that he had done it once.  Whoever it was, while technically possible, they clearly indicated that they would NEVER do it again.

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Yes, Charlie, that was me.  I used the factory supplied tools for the job, and it still took longer than if I'd pulled the engine.  I have to qualify that, I have a hoist and trolley permanently installed in my garage, so pulling the engine is no big deal to me.  Even using the factory tools, I managed to dislodge the rear cam plug, and it fell out on the test drive.  Ended up pulling the engine to fix that.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Well thats encouraging.  

I would not even consider it and I am a old Ford mechanic not quite as old as John, but I have a lot of miles on my odometer. Pulling the engine is the only way to go, save  you time in the long run.

Glen Henderson



Freedom is not Free

Letohatchee, AL

In the '57 Ford Car and Thunderbird Shop Manual, in Chapter 3, Section 7, beginning on page 1-72 and continuing through page 1-74 is the step-by-step procedure for 'Camshaft Replacement (Engine In Chassis)' for all 8 cylinder engines.  To illustrate how helpful this direction manual is, what follows is the in-depth procedure for 'Tappet Replacement' as found in the second column on page 1-73:"Remove and install one tappet at a time through the bottom of the block.  A flexible-type holding tool can be used for this operation.  As each tappet is installed, secure it in the up position."NOTE:  In the directions prior to this step, the manual explained how to raise the tappets clear of the camshaft lobes and secure them with modified spring type wooden clothes pins or modified window regulator spring clips prior to 'carefully removing the camshaft by pulling it toward the front of the engine' while 'exercising the necessary caution to avoid damaging the camshaft bearings'.______________________________Richard, you've been a member of the Forum for some four years.  As a fellow y-block enthusiast, your participation with us is valued.  Changing a y-block camshaft and lifters with the engine in the vehicle chassis could be a life altering event.  Don't do this to yourself!  It could destroy your enjoyment of a hobby you have put time and effort into.Regards,


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Richard:I don't think I detailed the operation, only stating it was time consuming and aggravating, even with the borrowed tool kit.  As Charlie stated, I won't do it again with the engine in the car.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

I got an engine host lined up.  However I gotta try it on at least one lifter.  

Hmmmm... on the '54 Fords I recall quite a bit of room in front of the engine with the radiator out...With the hoist, you may find one of the adjustable leveling mechanisms helpful in controlling the engine angle as you move the engine forward...I'm thinking it might be easier to detach the bellhousing from the block rather than the tranny from the bellhousing...  Guiding the front snout of the tranny out of the bellhousing could be harder to do than just out of the pilot bearing and clutch and pressure plate assembly...
Yeah, that T-85 od was 149 pounds when I was younger...You'll get it!  

NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

This a link to the lifting device I think Charlie has in mind. And fwiw, I'm in the process of changing a cam, and the engine is just ready to pull. I wouldn't even attempt this in the car..

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/kti-63423/overview/

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ