Thread: Installing cam bearings

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Anyone ever use one of those cam bearing installation tools that they sell in Summit and Jegs. I bought one a while back and I have to put some cam bearings in a 327. I've never done it, the directions are vague at best, and I don't want to ruin bearings putting them in. Any advice would be appreciated.

I assume that the tool is adequate for the job--but the sbc uses 3 different cam bearings so don't mix them up--the front one is by itself and 2 and 5 are alike as are 3 and 4

If you are concerned you can try a cam in it after putting in each bearing--that way you can tell where the problem is if the cam is tight or doesn't turn

use a big hammer---at least 3 lbs

Denny looks like a set I just installed Thursday---428PI for a Cobra

Hey DennyW, I just installed cam bearings in my sbc 383. The service manual said to install #5 (rear) with the oil hole at 12:00. Of course I installed it at 6:00. Do I need to change it? Also the parts store is offering 3 types of rear oil seal for this engine offset, double lip and one other I can't remember. I don't need an entire kit so I wanted to just buy the rear seal.
Thanks Bud

Here's a video of the tool in use. Its a Ford motor but the same procedure.
I takes all of 6 minutes and doesn't look problematic at all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbqN5wxMk0E

Hey DennyW, thanks for the quick feedback. Yeah, if they took the time to say 12:00 they probabilty meant it. It's amazing that I have no problem paying $250.00 for a roller cam but don't want to spend a few dollars on a new bearing set.
Thanks again. Bud

Working on an assembly line, myself & another assembler usta' race putting in Oil plugs, soft plugs, cam plug & bearings, mains & crank & timing chain/gears. Then they'd get sent down the line for rods & pistons. We could throw them together fairly fast after awhile.

Even though I have a piece of paper from the Navy that says I am a diesel mechanic, it has taken me a long time to admit that I'm not a particularly GOOD mechanic.

That said, after ruining a set of cam bearings trying to put them in I now have my machine shop install them for me when he does the work on my blocks. He has never charged me for doing it.

Jim

Hey guys, removed the #5 cam bearing and installed new one (at 12:00) last night. No problem. Had to remove the cam plug to do it, not a problem. I sure do feel better about it now. I used a light and mirror to make sure the oiler holes lined up. Used a double lipped rear oil seal, dropped in the new crankshaft, torqued the mains, checked end play (.002). Now I feel like the build is coming together.
I want to thank you guys for being here for guys like me.

peace Bud