Replace camshaft bearings ?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 6
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
Replace camshaft bearings ?
Well, I thought this was going too smooth. My intent was to refresh the entire engine without pulling it out. The old 454 ran fine, but I could not leave "well enough alone".
I just had to go with a new cam....etc....
Look at the cam bearing in the pic below. There is no way to replace these cam bearings without pulling the crank out...is there?
Looks like I might as well find myself a stand and pull it on out of the car.
Suggestions.........???
I just had to go with a new cam....etc....
Look at the cam bearing in the pic below. There is no way to replace these cam bearings without pulling the crank out...is there?
Looks like I might as well find myself a stand and pull it on out of the car.
Suggestions.........???
Last edited by fotyfobravo; Feb 25, 2007 at 04:35 PM. Reason: add pic
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Wow that doesn't look good at all.
I have never replaced cam bearings but I understand it's not a fun job unless you are either dropping it off at a machine shop.
I would love to hear from more experienced guys on this one so I can do it myself on the next time around.
I have never replaced cam bearings but I understand it's not a fun job unless you are either dropping it off at a machine shop.
I would love to hear from more experienced guys on this one so I can do it myself on the next time around.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 6
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
Thanks Durango....I was shocked to find this when I pulled the GM6 cam out today. This is the only sign of wear that I have found so far and the LAST place I wanted to find it. I have not replaced cam bearings befor either. Was hoping to not pull this motor! If there is an alternative, I hope someone can educate me on this one.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 692
Likes: 1
From: Peabody Ma.
Im no expert by no means!! That said, what do the install of cam bearings have to do with the crank? I thoght you removed cam bearings and installed with a driver of some type, looks long and has driver on the end similar to the type you would use to install a bearing race. I doubt you could use the tool with the engine in the car? Even if you removed the radiator and support
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
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From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
Yep....after this surprise, I will probably go ahead and pull it. I have a friend that owns a good repair shop. I will have him re-do the crank...rod bearings.....cam bearings.....hell...might as well do the heads while I'm at it.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
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From: Columbia Missouri
While he's at it, have him put in a whole new set of freeze plugs, water plugs, and oil plugs. Hate to see all that work done and then a freeze plug pops.
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
You can do all this with the engine installed, but... I have to agree with the others. If you pull the engine & have your shop go through it now, you'll probably never have to do it again. Any bearing wear demands inspection of all the bearings. Heck, now is as good a time as any to move up to a 502.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,102
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From: spring city pa
You cannot install cam bearings with the engine installed . The rear cam plug must be removed in order to drive the rear bearing out to install a new one . The crank also must be removed to allow installation of the new bearings . This is a pesky task to say the least !
gman
gman
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
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From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
You cannot install cam bearings with the engine installed . The rear cam plug must be removed in order to drive the rear bearing out to install a new one . The crank also must be removed to allow installation of the new bearings . This is a pesky task to say the least !
gman
gman
Last edited by fotyfobravo; Feb 25, 2007 at 06:51 PM.