Happy Monday! This week I plan to start washing parts. The block should be fully taken apart today. I have a question on Cam Bearings. Do I need to replace them if they're in good shape? Saw a few videos and it seems I need a special tool, kind of a pain, and a chance I mess it up. Should I try and do the cam bearings, or skip them if the existing ones look good? Thanks!
Engine Engine rebuild suggestions
- Thread starter JulianR
- Start date
-
- Tags
- 302 rebuild 5.0 rebuild
Take the block to a shop and if they have a decent bake and wash ( I sure miss the ole hot tanks) have this done, have it magnafluxed then have them install new freeze plugs ( Brass preferably) NEW cam bearings, and maybe have them drill, tap and plug the oil galleries...
HCI swaps never change the cam bearings so if they are in good shape lube it up and send it.
Then check if the cam bearings are lined up correctly with the oil holes.. If you use any caustic cleaners tape off the cam bearings....Thank you for the response. My build is a budget build where I'm doing everything myself-- no machine shop.
Just because they are from the factory does not mean they are correct... Could be a monday or friday block.....Ahh, that's why you wanted me to check
keel
Active Member
Appears to me that one of the cam lobes whacked the bearing during an installation or disassembly. Definitely not normal wear. Not really sure if that needs to be replaced since cams don't really bear much load and the load that they do bear would be on the opposite side of the damage since the lifters would be pushing down on it. Plus the oiling hole is also on the opposite side.
Personally, I would install the cam and as long as it rotates nicely still, I would just run it. At least where I live, the hourly rate at machine shops just aren't really worth it for such a low cost and low performance engine like a mostly stock SBF. I doubt that ding will have much of an effect on anything anyway.
Try installing/uninstalling the cam when the rotating assembly is out so that you can reach down into that area and support both ends of it it while it slides through the block to avoid damage like that.
Personally, I would install the cam and as long as it rotates nicely still, I would just run it. At least where I live, the hourly rate at machine shops just aren't really worth it for such a low cost and low performance engine like a mostly stock SBF. I doubt that ding will have much of an effect on anything anyway.
Try installing/uninstalling the cam when the rotating assembly is out so that you can reach down into that area and support both ends of it it while it slides through the block to avoid damage like that.
Last edited:
85GTStangGuy
5 Year Member
yea, I saw the blue, didn't really like it. The black would be good, but won't see anything leaking until it's too late. I'm building this more as a toy than OEM, so red/orange I think will look great with a black car. I am thinking of leaving the valve covers stock. Originally, thought I paint them gray, but I cleaned them up pretty well and aluminum should be better than gray paint.
