Hemi camshaft...This seems odd

[SeanO]

Bone stock Hemi, Haven't cracked the case open as I'm leaving the governor installed for now. I am however switching valve springs for durability. I have a degree wheel installed for checking timing because I also swapped out the flywheel for a Kohler with a lighting coil. So I was turning the motor over by hand, watching the rockers. After the intake closes, and the piston starts moving up the bore on the compression stroke, I noticed the exhaust rocker move. I double checked over & over and it definitely moves. I didn't put an indicator on it, but it's probably .020 or better. It starts to open at 140 degrees BTDC and closes again at about 40 degrees BTDC. Looking at pics of camshafts I see some weights and springs. Is it designed to bleed some compression off for ease of starting? Please forgive the newbie. I've built engines for my drag car, but this small stuff is new to me. Always something to be learned.
Thanks for your time.

 

[davidlamb78]

Yep, that's the compression release.

 

[SeanO]

Thanks for the response!

 

[OND]

Yep, that's the compression release.

X-2 Exh. comp. release.

 

[davidlamb78]

I have heard of people trying to remove it. I don't know if it would really benefit anything. You can increase the compression quite a bit on these little motors, but keep in mind that a lot of it will need to be beefed up. If you've build drag engines, this should be a fun little project for you. I know you can mill the head down some, and I thought the hemi came with a flattop piston. The rod is the weakest link in the motor, and the flywheel should probably be swapped if you're removing the flywheel. There are tons of parts to be found. This forum will provide lots of information for you. Have fun, and post up some pics.

 

[ole4]

If you remove it good luck starting it. You can do it if you have a electric starter. Once running the compression release swings out of the way so no real reason to remove it.

 

[youngengines]

The only reason to remove it is to prevent it from removing its self. I have had that happen several times on stronger engines..that sucks..LOL

 

[Txpowdercoater]

if you remove the compression release you will yank yer knuckles off yer hand when pull starting. leave it on there, it is a MUST have with rope pull.

 

[davidlamb78]

Yeah, if you're not using an electric starter, you'll really enjoy having it on there. I don't think you'll ever have a problem with it if you're running a mostly stock motor.