Cam Sproket = SNAP!!!!

[metalbeast]

Well after sanding on my Z28 today, I decided to take the Metro off the jack stands & take her for a test drive.

I hooked up the battery, turned the key & she cranked right up. I drove her up the street, went thru 1st, 2nd & into 3rd gear...car ran just fine. I stop a the stop sign to turn around. Put the car in first start to go when the car dies. Tried cranking her over a few times to no avail.

I pushed the car back into the drive way. I suspected I some how snapped the timing belt so I took the top two bolts out of the timing cover, & pulled it back. Instead of seeing a broke belt, I saw the belt intact, but the CAM SPROCKET WAS IN PIECES!

After reading Doc's woes forgeting to torque down the cam sprocket, I made sure to check to see if mine was torqued down. I know it was at LEAST the proper torque of 44 ft/lbs but I considering the machine shop put everything back together, I don't know if they torqued it right to begin with.

I am so disheartened right now. I worked on this car since June and then this happens.

What could have caused this???
Is there any posibility I have messed something else up?


GMRat, 9C1Caprice, other experts....help

[Johnny Mullet]

I know you have done a lot of work to this car and it does get frustrating when things go wrong like that. I am thinking the cam sprocket may have been already cracked or damaged and it just decided to let go. Good thing it happened while you were close to home and not on a road trip!

I would not give up on her! Get you a new cam sprocket from a junkyard or better yet, get a 10 degree advanced performance sprocket from 3tech which will boost your low-end power.

Just to be sure, replace the timing belt in case it was damaged and this also gives you the chance to inspect for any pieces that may have dropped down to the crank pulley area.

[metalbeast]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

I know you have done a lot of work to this car and it does get frustrating when things go wrong like that. I am thinking the cam sprocket may have been already cracked or damaged and it just decided to let go. Good thing it happened while you were close to home and not on a road trip!

I would not give up on her! Get you a new cam sprocket from a junkyard or better yet, get a 10 degree advanced performance sprocket from 3tech which will boost your low-end power.

Just to be sure, replace the timing belt in case it was damaged and this also gives you the chance to inspect for any pieces that may have dropped down to the crank pulley area.

Thanks as always Johnny! Nah, not going to give up on her yet. Too much time/money invested in her. Thanks for the link.