Camshaft binding??
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 2
From: Na
Camshaft binding??
I just though of this as I did not really think about it initial as I was installed my roller cam in my ZZ4. The cam was rotating fairly easy until I seated it on the last cam bearing. From there, it seemed like it took a little bit more resistance to spin the cam. Is it possible that there is a misalignment in the cam bearings due to wrong installation . This is a brand new zz4 shortblock. The cam is a comp cams steel billet hydraulic roller. Thanks for any advise. 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Occasionally. The first thing to do is pull the cam and set it up on a pair of vee blocks and check it to insure it's straight. Use a dial indicator to look for run out at all the bearing journals. The cam bearings can be line bored, if necessary.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 2
From: Na
I doubt that the camshaft is the problem because it spun easily up until the last bearing. Possibley a small nick on the furthest bearing causing a bind? If that is the case will running the engine wear in that bearing without damage?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,097
Likes: 0
From: High Plains Drifter Fayetteville, AR
Originally Posted by NUckINg FuTS
I doubt that the camshaft is the problem because it spun easily up until the last bearing. Possibley a small nick on the furthest bearing causing a bind? If that is the case will running the engine wear in that bearing without damage?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,019
Likes: 2
From: Na
Originally Posted by JCAIRE2
No. What usually happens is the edge of the bearing will mushroom from the install tool and give a tight bearing. If the bearing is nicked, you'll end up with a spun bearing as soon as the engine is started. WHen the bearings were installed, a test cam should have been run into the engine and turned by hand to check the bearing install.
What if a burred edge is the culprit? Would it be safe to run the engine that way?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,097
Likes: 0
From: High Plains Drifter Fayetteville, AR
Originally Posted by NUckINg FuTS
What if a burred edge is the culprit? Would it be safe to run the engine that way?
Instal the cam and turn it a couple times. Remove cam and with an inspection light, look at the cam bearing for any shiny spots, those are the high areas. Polish a little with the sandpaper and wipe clean. Reinstall cam and repeat until it turns freely. There should be some resistance to turning, but no rough spots.