CL350 Valve-train clunk

southguy

New Member
Hey guys new here, working on my intro that should be done soon, been lurking for a good while. But, I finally have a problem to get some discussion going. After replacing just the cam base gasket and a few others that were leaking, I had some trouble re installing and timing my camshaft and a few other concerns. I am 90% on the camshaft timing, but heres the problem; when the engine is spun over by hand, the camshaft as is rotates clunks around, like its being pushed around by the rocker arms. I will try and get a video, but it does not occur as the valves are compressed. Also, the parts fiche I have shows that there are only one of those tiny washers/spacers that go on the end of the camshaft (tach side) but, I have two, and I was wondering if the camshaft itself could be mis aligned, or something? The rockers have a 300 something number stamped on them if I recall, and the camshaft is the same one I bought and ran it with. Let me know if I should post pics or videos to help, its something I havent encountered before.
 
Oh and also, the advance thing that goes behind the points is off, along with the points plate. But, both side overs are on. And the valves do not have the locknuts, or been looked at much now that I realize. I know those tiny marks indicate something on the valves, and how they are supposed to be orientated, can anyone elaborate on that? Please and Thank YOU :)
 
Just an update, I set the valve clearances and figured out those markings, and the thud has gone away mostly, I have isolated it to the exhaust valves, as the cam rotates over the "peak" of the lobe, the rocker arms kind of pop back.
 
The side clearance on the camshaft should be 0.2-0.6mm(0.008-0.024in.). Check the side play on the camshaft and use the shims as needed. Each of the 350s I have worked on have only had one, but yours may need two.

You will get some resistance and then release as you rotate the crankshaft. This is from the rockers opening and closing the valvetrain.
If the valve pops back after the rocker has released pressure, you may have a bent valve.
 
Also, adjust your cam chain tensiioner. Excess slack will allow the cam to move more than the crankshaft when it takes up slack.
 
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