Topic: 77 550F Chain Tensioner

[kmart550]

I'm in the process of changing my head gasket/cylinder base gasket.  My problem is that the slotted screw for the cam chain tension is stripped, so I cannot loosen the nut on it.  Is there any way I can take the head off, by not loosening the chain?? 

Hope I was clear enough!!
Thanks,
Kyle

[Jay B]

Hey Kyle, Haven't had the head off my 550 {yet} but on a 350 you can get things apart without loosening the cam chain. I'm sure somebody will chime in here, but I think they are pretty similar.

[kmart550]

But to get the head off, don't I need to get the camshaft off, which is held in by the chain? 

Thanks "JayB" for the input though!!

[bryanj]

If the nut is loose you will be able to move the adjuster blade enough to get the chain off and cam out

[kmart550]

If the nut is loose you will be able to move the adjuster blade enough to get the chain off and cam out

Yes, but the adjuster blade and nut are stuck together, meaning that when i turn the nut, the "adjuster blade" turns with it. 

[TwoTired]

If the nut is loose you will be able to move the adjuster blade enough to get the chain off and cam out

Yes, but the adjuster blade and nut are stuck together, meaning that when i turn the nut, the "adjuster blade" turns with it. 

If you can turn the stud, you can relieve the tension from tensioner shoe against chain.  You'll need the chain slack to withdraw the cam.

Possible options:  Use a nut splitter to crack the nut in half to remove it from the adjuster stud.
Insert wedges between head and nut to get it moving away from the cylinder block.  (possibly with a large end nipper)
Cut the stud off along with the jam nut.  Use a long screwdriver/pry bar to reach in and relieve pressure from shoe on chain.  Shouldn't be too hard to overcome the spring tension.

You should be ready to replace the tensioner, you know.

Cheers,