The Riviera Revival | Episode 5 Engine Build Chaos: Wrong TDC Marks, Cam Issues & Pushrod Problems

Episode 5 of our Riviera Revival series shows how quickly an engine build can unravel when brand-new parts aren’t what they should be. In this episode, we continue the Buick 430 engine rebuild, assembling the valve train, pushrods, cylinder heads, intake manifold, exhaust manifolds, timing chain cover, water pump, and harmonic damper. What started as routine assembly quickly turned into a full-blown troubleshooting session. First, we struggled to correctly degree the camshaft, only to discover the problem wasn’t our process—it was incorrectly machined parts from the manufacturer that made accurate cam timing impossible. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, we uncovered not one but TWO incorrect TDC marks on the harmonic balancer, throwing ignition and valve timing into question. To top it off, we battled pushrod length confusion, caused by multiple compounding factors that made proper valvetrain geometry anything but clear. This episode highlights the importance of verifying every component, even new parts, and shows the real-world challenges that come with rebuilding a classic Buick V8, or any engine for that matter. If you’re restoring a 1967 Buick Riviera, rebuilding a Buick 430, or tackling any vintage engine project, this episode is packed with lessons that can save you time, frustration, and expensive mistakes. 🔧 Covered in this episode: ⚙️ Buick 430 valve train assembly ⚙️ Camshaft degreeing problems caused by machining errors ⚙️ Pushrod length measurement & geometry checks ⚙️ Cylinder head installation ⚙️ Intake & exhaust manifold installation ⚙️ Timing chain cover & water pump install ⚙️ Harmonic balancer installation ⚙️ Discovery of multiple incorrect TDC marks 📌 Subscribe to follow the Riviera Revival series and see how we work through real problems on a real classic car—mistakes, setbacks, and solutions included. ⚠️ Links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you buy through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the channel, thanks! Here are the products we referenced in the video: 🛒 Eastwood Hi Temp Exhaust Paint https://amzn.to/3Yme2zM 🛒 JB Weld Hi Temp https://amzn.to/4jkdV10 🛒 Endoscope https://amzn.to/4aDzA29 🛒 Piston Stop https://amzn.to/4pnp0Qv 🛒 12" Caliper https://amzn.to/4qAj1bR 🛒 Magnetic LED Shop Light https://amzn.to/44NRLOY 🛒 Dremel Tool https://amzn.to/4q43UaQ 🛒 Carbide Burr Set https://amzn.to/493FVTd 🛒 Cast Iron Spray Paint https://amzn.to/3LnNZFn 🛒 Loctite Primer https://amzn.to/4jmwGRz 🛒 Loctite Red https://amzn.to/49oq1Sl 🛒 Moly Lube https://amzn.to/49ln0lV 🛒 Engine Assembly Lube https://amzn.to/3Nbb1jb 🛒 Gasket Maker https://amzn.to/4bbAUJK 🛒 Harmonic Balancer Timing Sticker https://amzn.to/4jqUlR5 Get your Half-Assed Restorations merchandise, like T-Shirts, Mugs, and all sorts of useful and whimsical items here 👇 https://half-assed-restorations.print...