Is this cam bearing bad??? PIC

[mob]

Alright guys, I pulled out my cam today, and the bearing right at the front of the engine looks like its cracked. Can I change this one bearing without any special tools? I am scared to see what the other ones look like. What will happen if I drive it like this, or if the other ones are like this and I dont change them??? HELP

 

[347HO]

It isn't cracked... just looks like someone tried or has installed the camshaft by forcing it. Marks like that is common when installing and removing a camshaft with no patience.
You can rent a cam bearing puller/installer at AutoZone or even Napa. Only down side is I believe you have to buy a full set of bearings for just the one.
I've known others who've re-installed the camshaft with a gouged bearing like you have and didn't have issues later. I myself would and have changed them due to that damage.

There is a size difference between the aft bearing and the front bearing. There's also an up and down... in case you didn't know.

 

[mob]

Can this be done with the motor in the car?? I wonder why that happened, Jake Lamotta installed the cam years ago, they are supposed to be a reputable shop but I have had trouble with them before with half assing things, maybe this is just another thing to add to the list. Is there any chance the holes arent lined up enough and caused it to get dry?

 

[Chuckman]

Can this be done with the motor in the car?? I wonder why that happened, Jake Lamotta installed the cam years ago, they are supposed to be a reputable shop but I have had trouble with them before with half assing things, maybe this is just another thing to add to the list. Is there any chance the holes arent lined up enough and caused it to get dry?

the problem is, what if its not just that first bearing? id see if you can get a look at the rest and see if there's anymore chipped up like that. if there is, youre better off pulling the motor, and freshening the whole thing up, or at least inspecting it.

 

[347HO]

I'm 99% positive that damage was caused during removal.

You'll have to remove the radiator in order to have enough access for the puller/installer.

IMO, the holes are aligned enough to not cause oiling issues.
You may want to use a mirror and check the oiling hole on the top.

 

[old_blue]

I'd say replace them.

Can this be done with the motor in the car??

yes but it will be difficult. this is the time you need to decide whether or not you want to rush things and take a chance on worn out parts? To replace a piece like that is fairly simple and is good for piece of mind. It seems like if you didnt replace it you would be pulling the engine sooner than later. plus it looks like it was installed half ass without the passages lining up.

 

[347HO]

The bearings are slotted, the oiling holes in the block are round.
As long as the holes at the top align, then they were good.

It is not difficult to replace the bearings... not one bit. You only remove the radiator, plus the front engine parts.

You grab a friend... only one, who's done this before (any more and it's a fiasco), take your time, mark all your parts and their orientation, eat lunch, listen to some music while working... it's all good.
Have fun with it.

 

[old_blue]

347HO is correct. I didnt look at the pics well enough. But mine were slotted on the bottom. The photo makes it look like chip with that indentation infront of it. still think the passages could line up better. just me i guess. but I would still replace them.