I am rebuilding my 2000 Grand Cherokee Laredo with the 4.0L engine. The #1 piston broke. I have had the block cleaned, cylinders bored and honed, and have new pistons to install.

My problem is that I can install the camshaft almost completely and it will still turn but the last 1/4 inch pushing it into place causes the camshaft to not turn at all unless I put a wrench on it and then it is rather difficult to turn.

Any ideas on what the problem could be? Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

 

New cam or original?

 

Original camshaft.

 

Camshaft is bent. Probably the piston got it.

 

beat me to it!

 

Silly to do all that work and end up with no oil pressure.
New bearings, camshaft and lifters, go big or go home.

 

I have to agree with turbo. Do it right the first time or you will just end up tearing it apart again to add these parts down the road

 

Are you pushing the cam ALL the way back in?

Cam gear holds the cam shaft out that 1/4".

Put the gear on the shaft and THEN see if it will spin.

 

Good catch, jeep driver! I assumed he had the gear on it when he said he could only turn it with a wrench. Maybe not. Now check the cam plug in the other end of the block to make sure it's installed properly.

 

That's what we get for assuming lol. I would hope he did but I guess we shall find out!

 

Even then. I'd still replace as much as I could if I had the engine torn down that far. Better peace of mind that way.

 

Yeah we all love spending money we don't need to.

 

I think this guy gave up

 

I think he didn't like what he heard.