Dan Lesser is a Viper GOD!

GTS Dean · October 17th, 2016, 07:24 PM

Through 3 months of major suspension/brake and minor engine work, new exhaust system, a full underbody detail, suspension and bodywork alignment - my car was ready to fire up and take for a spin around the block for a systems check.

After a week of trying to diagnose a no-start condition, I popped smoke and called in tactical support. I described my situation in detail, along with the symptoms and DRB readings. I tried multiple things and we emailed several times over the weekend. Dan then suggested something that was so far-fetched and outlandish that I kept dismissing the unthinkable until it was about the only thing I HADN'T tried...

I pulled a valve cover and checked for valve operation. There was none.

I am demoralized and my spirit is crushed. I have to take the fucker back apart again.

That is all.

dave6666 · October 17th, 2016, 07:33 PM

You forgot to put the cam in?

dave6666 · October 17th, 2016, 07:35 PM

Or timing chain?

GTS Dean · October 17th, 2016, 07:43 PM

I never took the cam out, and only checked the chain for stretch. I don't know if the cam bolt broke, or the camshaft broke. All I can think of is it may be related to trying to get 250 lb-ft on the crank bolt after re-sealing the timing cover. I had the SOB idling in the driveway while flushing the cooling system and the damn thing just quit running. It never would re-fire.

Hell - I'm the only person I know that ever had an automotive camshaft quit working as a root failure cause.

dave6666 · October 17th, 2016, 07:55 PM

Let me know if you need a new cam sensor

GTS Dean · October 17th, 2016, 08:18 PM

Your offer is very kind. Hopefully, I won't need it because it still shows a synch signal after about 1 rev and the plugs are firing.

71firebird400 · October 17th, 2016, 08:52 PM

Wow, what a fluke. Let us know what happened when you get it apart!

Ramtuff · October 17th, 2016, 08:54 PM

Probably sheared bolts and pin, Hopefully the cam is not too messed up, good luck!

slowturbocar · October 18th, 2016, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTS Dean

Hell - I'm the only person I know that ever had an automotive camshaft quit working as a root failure cause.

I had a SBF years ago with a new Comp cam that broke the pin,was idling ok then put a few rpms to it and it just died. Took about 20min to figure it out (poped open the distributor cap and the rotor wasn't spinning) cause there's a distinct difference in engine sound when it turns over but it only bent a few valves.

plumcrazy · October 18th, 2016, 05:12 AM

that sucks dean. good luck

**Chuck 98 RT10** · October 18th, 2016, 08:01 AM

Bump for Dan Lesser. He's been around a long time. I've never had to call on him but I'm sure the day will come.

**Whitebeard** · October 18th, 2016, 09:08 AM

I've talked to him several times, helping him on different topics. He is more than patient and helpful, even to a noob.

He and his staff are quite friendly. I can't say enough about them.

dave6666 · October 18th, 2016, 09:13 AM

I like him. I mean, why wouldn't I. He's been tuning on my car for 17 years. We'll have it perfect in just 5 more years. Maybe 8

Final GTS · October 18th, 2016, 10:30 AM

This is one of those situations where I was hoping I was wrong. I actually alluded to this being the problem in the first e-mail when I was saying "I had an idea, but didn't want to say anything without more info" as this was basically a worst case scenario.

In any event, I hope you keep us updated on what you find. This is not the first time I have seen this... this would be the third time.

Wayne64ss · October 18th, 2016, 02:14 PM

Dude wtf!!!! That sucks.

Viper Pilot · October 18th, 2016, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Final GTS

This is one of those situations where I was hoping I was wrong. I actually alluded to this being the problem in the first e-mail when I was saying "I had an idea, but didn't want to say anything without more info" as this was basically a worst case scenario.

In any event, I hope you keep us updated on what you find. This is not the first time I have seen this... this would be the third time.

Were the other occurrences identical failure modes? Sheared timing gear bolts? Broken cam?

Drlee50 · October 18th, 2016, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTS Dean

I never took the cam out, and only checked the chain for stretch. I don't know if the cam bolt broke, or the camshaft broke. All I can think of is it may be related to trying to get 250 lb-ft on the crank bolt after re-sealing the timing cover. I had the SOB idling in the driveway while flushing the cooling system and the damn thing just quit running. It never would re-fire.

Hell - I'm the only person I know that ever had an automotive camshaft quit working as a root failure cause.

I totally had the same issue once. The little pin that comes out of the cam into the cam gear broke off. to the gear spun but the cam didnt. I went to a cam that requires 3 bolts now! LOL

Same situation as you...pulled car out to wash it. couldnt restart it. I was like how the F??!

plumcrazy · October 18th, 2016, 05:58 PM

not once did dan ever help me....not once !

of course i never asked him for help either

ViperTony · October 18th, 2016, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave6666

I like him. I mean, why wouldn't I. He's been tuning on my car for 17 years. We'll have it perfect in just 5 more years. Maybe 8

So T Minus???

Dan is good people.

Final GTS · October 18th, 2016, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper Pilot

Were the other occurrences identical failure modes? Sheared timing gear bolts? Broken cam?

One case was loose timing gear bolt and sheared dowel pin, the other was a seized camshaft that resulted in the same.

Dan Lesser is a Viper GOD!

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