Engine Engine rebuild suggestions

JulianR · Aug 28, 2023

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!

limp · Aug 28, 2023

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...

JulianR · Aug 28, 2023

Thank you for the response. My build is a budget build where I'm doing everything myself-- no machine shop.

AeroCoupe · Aug 28, 2023

HCI swaps never change the cam bearings so if they are in good shape lube it up and send it.

limp · Aug 28, 2023

JulianR said:
Thank you for the response. My build is a budget build where I'm doing everything myself-- no machine shop.

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....

JulianR · Aug 28, 2023

I just used purple power and soap water

limp · Aug 29, 2023

JulianR said:
I just used purple power and soap water

Check if the cam bearings are installed right... Make sure the oil holes line up with the block oiling holes.....

JulianR · Aug 29, 2023

limp said:
Check if the cam bearings are installed right... Make sure the oil holes line up with the block oiling holes.....

They are factory installed-- I didn't change them

AeroCoupe · Aug 29, 2023

Just put a mirror or scope down the cam valley and make sure the oil hole in the cam bearings all line up with the oil holes in the block. If they do not then you know they have moved which may require them to be replaced.

JulianR · Aug 29, 2023

Ahh, that's why you wanted me to check Thanks for the clarification. Will do!

limp · Aug 29, 2023

JulianR said:
Ahh, that's why you wanted me to check Thanks for the clarification. Will do!

Just because they are from the factory does not mean they are correct... Could be a monday or friday block.....

JulianR · Aug 30, 2023

I think I may need cam bearings after all. Only 1 looks like that-- 2nd or 3rd. What do you think?

keel · Aug 30, 2023

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.

a1machinista1 · Sep 2, 2023

Even if you had the cam bearing install tool it is not something you should try yourself. There is definitely some skill to it. It is very easy to screw it up. If your block it actually clean a good machine shop can swap them out and test fit a cam for under $100

JulianR · Sep 5, 2023

Progress photos for motivation:

85GTStangGuy · Sep 5, 2023

You rotated the block on the engine stand?

And is that Chevy orange?

jk

JulianR · Sep 5, 2023

heh, the cap on the paint was red, it's supposed to be red

AeroCoupe · Sep 5, 2023

Early Mustangs had blue blocks and later models have black...just saying.

JulianR · Sep 5, 2023

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.

AeroCoupe · Sep 5, 2023

I have been using black for the blocks for over 20 years. You can see a leak on a black block with good (read LED or the like) lighting but in all honestly even small leaks hit the floor. Your car and red and/or orange does look good with black but not too much of it.

Engine Engine rebuild suggestions

Active Member

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

Active Member

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

Active Member

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

Active Member

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

Active Member

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done

Active Member

Active Member

Active Member

Active Member

Active Member

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

Active Member

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes

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