Wanted: camshaft TDC locking tool for J-350 in USA

[Ted bud]

Hey gang,

I posted this elsewhere. sorry for the redundancy.

I need a CAM TIMING TDC LOCK TOOL, PART No. ST30949 to do a high performance cam swap. I can source all the other parts I need for the swap locally, but no US dealer has the cam locking tool.

I don’t want to have to pay $60 in customs fees and $40 shipping for a $20 part, and the eBay sellers in India are asking much more than $20 for the tool. So I am hoping someone has one they would be willing to sell/loan/rent. I will gladly pay for the tool plus shipping (US only). Please PM me if you can help out. Reduce, reuse, recycle…

Thanks!

 

[Dool2]

You can use a 5mm pin punch, just as accurate.
Hold it at 90deg to the gasket face.

 

[Ted bud]

Dool2,

Thanks for the great tip.

Is it hard to keep the cam at TDC while refitting the timing chain and tightening down rocker carrier bolts? I thought of making a cam locking tool out of aluminum (easy to cut and drill), and its nice to know I can use the 5 mm pin punch in a pinch...or in a home made tool. Is anyone willing to make a pencil rub of their tool so I can get the geometry correct? I still prefer to buy one used if anyone has one.

 

[Dool2]

Have you seen the Tec video?
No problems keeping cam at TDC, crank is locked and with the pin punch you can easily shift the cam.

 

[vectinterceptor]

There is a 3D printed tool, and some one on here made one. It is probably on the thingyverse.

 

[Ted bud]

Just wanted to say thank you to Dool2 and vectinterceptor. I can barely manage my 2D printer. Also, looks like the Kent camshaft will have to wait. They are backordered at Baxxxx Cyxxes. I’ll post once I receive it and get it installed. I will be using a 5mm pin punch to do the job. They are dirt cheap.

 

[Nifty_Biscuit]

Information about the cam locking tool here:

Measurements for DIY Cam timing/TDC tool

You can make it yourself by 3D printing, or use the measurements to make your own. You should be able to take the measurements to a local fabricator and get one made via basic metalworking. The pdf document has all of the relevant dimensions listed. The chamfers and knurling and rounded corners are nice but not required, it will be cheaper without them. The 3D printed one has them because it doesn't add extra cost. Speaking of, you can go to Craftcloud and order it printed out of PETG or ABS for under $15. There's even options for 3D printing in metal for ~$65-$70

 

[Nifty_Biscuit]

There's even options for 3D printing in metal for ~$65-$70

If you act fast, you can even lock in a cam tool cast in gold for only $38k