What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

454 Suburban Motor cam drive let go. Updated; With Carnage pics!!

K

KeyBlazer

1/2 ton status
 Premium
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Posts
291
Reaction score
103
Location
Irvine, California
Have a 1987 Suburban with a 454 with 160K miles.
A few months ago I noticed a ticking noise that was engine speed related.
A buddy listened and suggested a lifter was going bad.
A matter of a week later the motor died suddenly about a mile from home.
Upon investigation I found the original Nylon/Aluminum cam drive sproket had stripped. I will insert a pic soon for those that like me like to see the carnage..
These motors are non interference so nothing else was damaged by the cam stopping with valves open.
Here is my questions.

I have been told that loads of different ideas.
From pull and rebuild the motor completely, to just drop the oil pan and clean up the mess and replace the cam chain.
Before the mess it was running pretty good, with good oil pressure.
Thoughts?
 
Last edited:
The chevy V/8 IS an interference engine and they usually bend valves when the chain lets go. If you were going slow enough you might get lucky but i'll bet there are some bent valves.
 
You could have anything from nothing to bent valves and a crankcase full of shrapnel. I'd start by pulling the heads, check wear of the bores, etc. If it's worn and close to needing a bore, plan on some machine work. If it's smooth with very little ridge, I'd still pull it apart, have it cleaned and new cam bearings installed, use new rings and new main/rod bearings and put 'er back together.
 
The 454 in C30 did the same thing to me last year. I drove up to a restrant after church we went in , ate and came back out all she did was spin. I could tell by the sound it had no compresion so it was time for a rollback ride. This was 1 week before we were leaving for a camping trip at the beach so no time to pull it down I cleaned it up slapped a new timing set in and hooked it to 7500 lbs of camper. About 2500 miles later I still have not pulled it down.
 
???
So is it or isnt it an interference motor?
I was doing about 40mph when it happened.

The motor is still in at this time, should I pull it?

I have a new cam, and lifters, oil pump, and a short block gasket set.

I also have a option on a 91 Suburban 454 motor and tranny that I could swap in while I rebuild this one.
 
Last edited:
KeyBlazer said:
???
So is it or isnt it an interference motor?
I was doing about 40mph when it happened.

The motor is still in at this time, should I pull it?

I have a new cam, and lifters, oil pump, and a short block gasket set.

I also have a option on a 91 Suburban 454 motor and tranny that I could swap in while I rebuild this one.
Click to expand...

If scott (4x4high) said it is interference, then it is.
he is an engine builder so you can take his word o it.
IF you are lucky, there would be no damage, even if it is an interference engine, but if you have the options, I'd put the 91 in there and slowly build this one checking the minimum the heads.
 
YES, it is an interference engine. An interference engine is one that the valves and piston can make love if the timing chain either jumps teeth or breaks and the cam and crank become out of sync with one another.
 
Ok, looks like its worse than I thought then.
Thanks for the clarification.
I guess at this stage I am commited to pull the motor.
I just bought a 2 ton engine hoist from Pepboys for $149.

Here is a pic of the Cam gear!:eek1:

CamGearE.jpg


And a close up.:(

CamGear1E.jpg


I will pull it next week and see what we have.
Does anyone know if there is a difference between the '87 454 and a '90?
The motor is still in the 90 at this time and its my job to pull it.
What will I need?
 
KeyBlazer said:
Ok, looks like its worse than I thought then.
Thanks for the clarification.
I guess at this stage I am commited to pull the motor.
I just bought a 2 ton engine hoist from Pepboys for $149.

Here is a pic of the Cam gear!:eek1:

CamGearE.jpg


And a close up.:(

CamGear1E.jpg


I will pull it next week and see what we have.
Does anyone know if there is a difference between the '87 454 and a '90?
The motor is still in the 90 at this time and its my job to pull it.
What will I need?
Click to expand...

I believe the engines after 86 became one piece rear main seals so your 87 and 90 would be the same. :D
 
Here is a good question...
If I am going to swap in the later motor, should I swap in it all... TBI setup with computer and all, or take the bare motor and swap in the stuff from the 87?
The air filter is different on the '90, as is the A/C compressor. My 87 was converted to 134a and has a full charge and a new compressor, so I plan to try not to disturb it.

What does a 454 motor weigh?
Is it easier to pull the motor and tranny together or is that more trouble?
 
Pull the engine by itself. A BBC weighs in at 685lbs. Your 87 should be a TBI as well.
 
I'd say swap the engine w/TBI/manifolds/ignition, but use the brackets and accesories from the old engine so you dont have to swap a/c pumps or the alternator. Unbolt the tranny from the engine, makes it alot easier.
 
I pulled the motor and trans together and it was fun!
SubEGE.jpg


Started tearing down the motor...
Here is how the bottom end looked.. Pretty nice for 160k!
Sub454bottomE.jpg


N03E.jpg


No1 Main crankshaft journal

No1JournalE.jpg


And its bearing Cap

No1CapE.jpg


Here is one example of what I found in the oil pan..
CamChainBitsE.jpg


Any thoughts or comments?
 
Last edited:
Well, I have owned this one since it had 110k on, and as I am new to Chevy stuff I didnt know... Otherwise, I would have replaced it at 145k when I did the Waterpump!:o
 
KeyBlazer said:
Well, I have owned this one since it had 110k on, and as I am new to Chevy stuff I didnt know... Otherwise, I would have replaced it at 145k when I did the Waterpump!:o
Click to expand...
homer voice: doah!!!
 
Drop the replacement motor in...

Rebuild this one the way you want it...

Sell the other motor for 600 - 1000 bucks when yours is rebuilt!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom