mY DOWEL PIN MEASURED .398, IS IT BEING TO SHORT THE CAUSE OF MY OPTI BLOWING UP?

 

.398" from where?

I don't see how being too short would cause the same scenario as too long.

 

The spec is for around .600 .580-.620 is what I commonly find.

Bret

 

did you measure from the face of the cam or the face of the timing chain sprocket, and, what year car?

 

1997 and i believe from the face of the timing chain. I am not a mechanic, i am just trying to get this car back running. I put the opti up against it without the timing chain cover on and it felt like to went great. When i took my opti apart, the rotor button was just sitting in it. I replaced it and placed lock-tite on the bolts. I looked at the previoulsy posted picture and my pin looks smaller, but not that much. I appreciate everyones information.

 

if you measured from the face of the sprocket, that measurement is about right, the sprocket is approx. .220 thick

 

i have everything but the timing chain off it the front of the motor, how much more work is it for a cam removel. Intake and lifters?

 

on the block, yes, but you still need to pull the rad, and at the very least pivot the A/C condenser up on the lines for the cam to slide out

 

thanks david