Cam Bearing Problems
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 65
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
Cam Bearing Problems
I removed the stock cam from my motor this past weekend and discovered a problem. Removing it was easy, it slid out with little effort, just a little twisting and out it came. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the 2nd and 4th journals were scored and discolored. Looking into the block, I discovered that the 2nd and 4th cam bearing had fallen out. Since I had the pan off, I reached up and pulled one out. Well, it was obviously scored on the inside, but unfortunately it was also scored on the exterior of the bearing. My conclusion is that it was probably spinning in the block. Can a machine shop fix this for a reasonable price or is that just a bad idea? If I need a new block, any recommendations as to where to get one? Would you be confident in picking one up at junk yard? Since I have an LT4, is it an identical block to the LT1? I appreciate your input.
Thanks,
Chris - 1996 LT4
Thanks,
Chris - 1996 LT4
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 0
From: Puyallup Washington
Re: Cam Bearing Problems (crt)
Oversize OD bearing used to be available, I don't know if they still are? You might check with a good machine shop. I don't think I would consider sleeving them. I have seen some LT1 blocks on Ebay, I don't know if they differ from the LT4.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: Cam Bearing Problems (crt)
That is really unusual. Cam bearings are generally very durable and hardly ever a problem. I wonder if someone installed the cam bearings in the wrong position. Has the engine been rebuilt before? If the bearings weren't installed incorrectly, you probably have some kind of oil supply problem to those bearings.
One option would be to hone out the cam bearing bores for Big Block Chevy cam bearings. It would require you to get a custom cam, but most cam manufacturers makes SBC cams with BBC bearing journals. My SBC427 uses big block cam bearings.
One option would be to hone out the cam bearing bores for Big Block Chevy cam bearings. It would require you to get a custom cam, but most cam manufacturers makes SBC cams with BBC bearing journals. My SBC427 uses big block cam bearings.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 2
From: Hillsboro OR
Re: Cam Bearing Problems (crt)
Check your 2nd and 4th mains and the rods around them. pressurized oil flows from top of engine through the cam bearings down to those two main bearings. Try to see if the bearing #s are still on the back of the bearing shells. I think they are numbered for each position.
