wrd1972

iTrader: (12)

Just pulled my stock camshaft out and noticed excess wear on the front cam and felt not one but lots of wear rings in the front cam bearing. This bearing is discolored and clearly shot and should not be reused. The other four journals on the cam look very good so I think the other four bearings are good.



I assume it is possible to replace just the front bearing ith the block still in the car. I have never replaced a cam bearing so can someone explain what would be involved to doing this. Also I do not want to pull the motor to do all five, it really appears thet the others wil be fine.

Thanks

blackdogz

Front cam bearings usally wear first because of the load from the timing chain. You will need cam bearing installer/remover to do the job.

Ls1Bait

Yup. When I did my cam swap the bottom of the bearing was smooth as glass but then the top felt rough like sand paper. Then like 200 miles later it spun a couple rod bearings.lol Then I rebuild the whole motor like what I should have done!!!

wrd1972

iTrader: (12)

Anyone heard of using the old bearing to bang in the new one?

Ls1Bait

It might work but I wouldnt do it. If you have a inside micrometer you could find out how much that cam bearing is accually worn. That would be the only way to check it for sure. Harbor frieght sells them at a resonable cost and they are quite accurate.

wrd1972

iTrader: (12)

Again from what I have seen the bearing is worn to gold, has at least 75% rough grooved surface and 25% smooth surface. Based on this it must be worn enough to simply justify not using.

I really need peoples input on replacing this bearing in the car because I am not sliding a new cam in there tilli ts replaced. So lets all agree its shot.

94z28L

iTrader: (4)

let me just kinda throw this out there, would you rather put in a new set of cam bearings for a minimal cost and have some insurance that they're all good, or tear down the motor to rebuild it because that failed and **** the motor?

spee

iTrader: (1)

I agree, if you're already at that point, might as well replace all of 'em. I spun my #2 cam bearing with less than 60k on the clock, so if you're seeing a lot of wear at 73, it could be about that time.

Jditlfm

iTrader: (26)

because to replace all the cam bearings you have to pull the engine. if your gunna pull the engine might as well re bearing the whole thing and new gaskets, then you get to the other points of well since your already their....... but i would deffinitly replace atleast that bearing bronze is no good.

wrd1972

iTrader: (12)

Okay since everyone swears on doing them all which I completely agree makes good sense, I am not disputing that let me ask this.

If I pull the block out can I replace all five on the engine stand without tearing the rotating assembly apart? And let me take it one step further can I replace the rod bearings and main bearings as well just for the hell of it?

94z28L

iTrader: (4)

rod and mains will require pulling the rotating assembly

wrd1972

iTrader: (12)

mind made up, the engine is coming out and all bearings will be replaced.

94z28L

iTrader: (4)

good decision, better safe than sorry, makes it easier anyway