FEAR THE LS1

iTrader: (1)

Well I got my new short block and I go to install the cam (Brand new TR230/224). The cam clears the 1st and 2nd cam bearings like normal but comes to a stop at the 3rd bearing. It will not fit through at all. I tried to rotate and tap the cam a little, it does not want to go in. I took the cam out and tried to put it from the back of the engine (the block is on a engine stand) It clears the rear 2 cam bears but comes to a dead stop on the 3rd again. I tried my another TR and even a stock cam none will clear the bearing.

The bearings are Federal Mogul LS1 bearings. I called the engine builder to ask what to do, they said that sometimes the bearing might have a little 'bur' or the cast might be a little off. They suggested to make sure the cam is oiled up and tap it a little harder. Well I tried this and the cam entered the bear a little, well the bearing is so tight around the cam I couldn't rotate the cam. I tapped a little bit more and I could see the bearing was moving with the cam, as in the cam was pushing the bearing out. it only moved a hair so I stopped with there and backed the cam out again.

Here is what I'm now faced with..

1. Try to get a hone tool and a drill bit and hone out the bearing a little to accept the cam. I need to know if this is safe to do to the bearing? This motor is for racing not putzing around town etc.

OR

2. Remove the whole rotating assembly and replace the cam bearings.. Well I don't have a cam bearing uninstall/install tool. Nor do I feel like trying to disassemble the crank and ****, I've never done it, thats why I bought a built one. I got a quote from a local shop to change the bearing, they want $450 <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />

I am able to install any of my 3 cams into my old motor with ease. I tried all 3 cam in this motor none will pass that damn 3rd bearing. What do you guys think is the best route to go here? I Really need some help.

Here's what I'm dealing with...
LS1 Block - Refinished
Mogul cam Bearings - Brand New
TR 230/224 cam - Brand New
Stock Crank - Refinished
Stock Rods - Refinished
Diamond Pistons - Brand New
ARP Rod Bolts - Brand New

Thanks,
Lee

<small>[ April 08, 2003, 04:11 PM: Message edited by: FEAR THE LS1 ]</small>

Zeta

Lee, sorry to hear the bad news.

If there was a 'bur' on the bearing, you should be able to see it. It sounds like the builder tweaked #3.

Because bearing surfaces are fragile and thin, honing is not a good option. I am not sure that a specific tool exists.

Good luck.

GeorgeC

I presume you engine machinist/builder installed the cam bearings? Since the engine isn't in the car yet, I'd take the shortblock back to him.

Something is definetely wrong with either the bearing itself or it got screwed up when it was installed.

GoFastTurnLeft

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Hopefully, your builder/shop will take care of the problem. I'd be concerned with the "oil it and force it" advice. I hope that comment is not indicitive of their quality and customer service.

robertbartsch

Sorry!...I agree, ship it back and let them deal with it...Unfortunately, poor quality control is common in the aftermarket...

...why did you even consider asking a differnt shop what they would charge; did you buy the short block from a distant location? The $450 for the bearing swap seems high: I guess they need to dis-assemble/re-assemble the rotating assembly, however...

gMAG

iTrader: (1)

Lee, You paid good money for "1st class" when you made your commitment to buy the shortblock. I don't suppose any manufacturer would sell less than 1st class machining, especially where engine bearings are concerned.
I encourage you to get clearance from the builder to return this merchandise. It should function correctly the first time! You sound like a reasonable guy, so use courtesy to explain to the builder why he should be obligated to carry the shipping costs. Best to you, GMAG <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

FEAR THE LS1

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the advice everyone. I did try to contact the engine builder (I'll leave them anonymous) but got no answer today. I am going to ask that they ship the engine back to have it looked at. The engine builder is a reputable shop so I am sure they will stand behind thier work. I only inquired my local engine/machine shop as to what I should do. They said that the bearing should be changed instead of trying to bandaid the problem with honing the bearing. The $450 quote was to remove the rotating assembly and replace the bearing then install everything. The only concern I have with my local shop is I don't think they have ever built up an LS1. I know an engine is an engine is an engine etc. but there are alot of small little things that I've noticed is different/important about our motors.

It just sucks to wait for weeks to get a new motor then have to send it back and wait for another few weeks, meanwhile everyone you know is out there racing every weekend <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" />

Anyway wish me luck, we'll see what happens tomorrow.

Thanks Guys.

Lee

PS Heres some pics of my car right now...
<img src="http://www.cancreations.com/lee/c1.jpg" alt=" - " />

SS Shell:
<img src="http://www.cancreations.com/lee/c2.jpg" alt=" - " />

BMR K-Member + Lower A-Arms + QA1 Shocks and Springs
<img src="http://www.cancreations.com/lee/c3.jpg" alt=" - " />

My Jegs Roll Bar:
<img src="http://www.cancreations.com/lee/c4.jpg" alt=" - " />

<small>[ April 09, 2003, 08:24 AM: Message edited by: FEAR THE LS1 ]</small>

Mike Norris

iTrader: (10)

Lee,

I have had the same problem with a couple sets of FM cam bearings. The number three bearing was made improperly in three sets I had purchased. My machine shop caught it during install as they measure everything and also install a "test" cam to insure proper install. Call me at the shop and I can get you some more info, but it will have to be redone. This should have been caught during install in my opinion, but.........

Mike

FEAR THE LS1

iTrader: (1)

Hey Mike,

You know I actually was on your website the other day, I was contemplating driving my engine up there (3 hour drive) to have you replace the bearings. There really isn't any LS1 experts down in my area that I know of and I've heard only but good things about your shop.

I did talk to the engine builder and they want me to ship the shortblock back to them so they take a look at it and fix it at no charge.

I was only thinking about having a shop near me fix the bearing because I need to get the car complete asap. I'm way over due in completing my project.

Thanks.
Lee

Mike Norris

iTrader: (10)

Hey Lee,

No problem. Like I mentioned, the bearing probably was installed correctly, just not checked for sizing and the FM #3 cam bearings were made too small. Good luck to ya.

Mike