99 Grand Am Engine woes!

[JetmechDallas]

Hi to everyone. I am new to these forums. I can't seem to figure out the answers on my own for my engine troubles so I need to call on the knowledge of the masses. Any help is greatly appreciated. About 3 weeks ago I changed the LIM gaskets on My car. It ran perfectly for 3 weeks.
But last night I broke down on the side of the road. My engine started clicking loudly followed by the engine shutting off. I am able to restart the engine but it is running verry ragged and there is still a very loud clicking. The fact that I can start it tells me it's noet the timing chain or gears. The serpentine belt is good and intact it has a new idler pulley and as I said I repalced the LIM and UIM gaskets about three weeks ago because I had a very bad coolant leak.This is a 1999 Pontiac Grand am 3.4liter V6 3400sfi VIN "E" with 197048 miles Thanks again for any help.

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF!

Have you checked your oil ?
When you replaced the LIM did you also change the oil ?

I would say the clicking is your lifters, could be many reasons why too.
If the push rods were mixed up, intake push rods are 5.75", exhaust PR is 6"
If thier is coolant in the lifters, they will tick and dont pump oil very well.

Might have to pull th evalve covers off and double check that all the rockers are tight. May need some Loc tite on the rocker arm bolts.

Good Luck

[JetmechDallas]

Okay, I did change the oil when I changed the LIM gaskets. I labeled each rocker arm and pushrod as to position and direction of push rod. I also applied loctite to the rocker arm bolts prior to re-instalation. Alll of this was accomplished when I did the LIM gaskets.
I checked to see if their was steam coming from my exhaust when I first heard the ticking, there wasn't and the oil is still clean. No slurry mix or anything so I don't think I'm getting coolant in the oil.

[JetmechDallas]

Well .......Turns out that my Camshaft is broken. So might as well rebuild while I'm in there. Any suggestions on items that I should go ahead and replace or inspect for wear while I'm in there?

[xeroinfinity]

well the usual, check you push rods, valves etc for damage when the cam broke. You 'll need to replace the cam bearings too. You might have got lucky and not damaged anything else.

Might also replace the timing chain & gears since you'll be in that area.
Good Luck.

[JetmechDallas]

Thanks I'm gonna need it.

[Cressidaadr]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

well the usual, check you push rods, valves etc for damage when the cam broke. You 'll need to replace the cam bearings too. You might have got lucky and not damaged anything else.

Might also replace the timing chain & gears since you'll be in that area.
Good Luck.

Can you replace the camshaft and bearing with the engine in the car? I don't think so but if you can please let me know.

[xeroinfinity]

Originally Posted by Cressidaadr

Can you replace the camshaft and bearing with the engine in the car? I don't think so but if you can please let me know.

No, you realy cant change the cam with the engne in the car.