cam bearings install

[67rcks]

Can someone advise if it is necessary to precisely align cam bearings with expensive machinery when being installed? Or just tapping them in works well? Both cam and bearings are new. Just double checking.

 

[woodsnake]

The cam bearings MUST be "SQUARE" in their location, and you must ensure that the oil holes line up properly. If you have the tools, it isn't a big deal, but they must be accurate. The down side is of course premature wear/failure of the bearings and camshaft.

 

[Fast63]

typical speed shop shouldn't charge more than 20 bucks to install them for you, if you want to go that route.

 

[fasttback]

The cam bearings MUST be "SQUARE" in their location, and you must ensure that the oil holes line up properly. If you have the tools, it isn't a big deal, but they must be accurate. The down side is of course premature wear/failure of the bearings and camshaft.

+1. Must be squared with both oil passage alignment and with position in the block.

 

[67rcks]

The cam bearings MUST be "SQUARE" in their location, and you must ensure that the oil holes line up properly. If you have the tools, it isn't a big deal, but they must be accurate. The down side is of course premature wear/failure of the bearings and camshaft.

Can this realistically happen that the bearings are perfectly square, yet cam cannot be still fitted in? that's what my engine rebuilder said that had happened and was saying how difficult it was to precisely alighn the bearings. Maybe he tries to rip me off. And $20 charge? These people won't even look at you for 20 bucks

 

[BarnStang]

Sounds fishy. If the cam bores are straight and square, you can put cam bearings in with a cam bearing installation tool in about 30-45 min. $20 would be a pretty good deal, but not unrealistic. 1/2 hour labor minimum I would think. If that's all that needed done. Pretty routine stuff. THe proof is in the pudding. If you get the cam bearings installed, have the cam handy for a trial fit. You should be able to turn it by hand, but may be really snug. You will need some lube on the jornals. If you have to force it in, or have to use a tool to turn it, something is wrong.

If your engine builder thinks cam bearings are difficult to align, he has not done very many...