[truckboy61]

Need to remove and replace Cam bearing in a 454 never have done before and would like some pointers please. Is it possible without removal and installation tool? Looked on line only seen tools that say for small block? And they run from $60 to $ 600 ? What's a good base line to start at? I'm obviously not planning on using this tool often.

[V8 Super Beetle]

A machine shop could do this for you for pretty cheap. $40 - $60? I think the going rate around here is around $80 - $85 for cam bearing install along with all the block plugs. That's including the cost of parts.

[327NUT]

Very simple....if you're not going to do this more than a few times just take it to a machine shop.

[Chris Kemp]

Originally Posted by V8 Super Beetle

A machine shop could do this for you for pretty cheap. $40 - $60? I think the going rate around here is around $80 - $85 for cam bearing install along with all the block plugs. That's including the cost of parts.

Good advise from V8 Super Beetle. You didn't say whether the block is out or in of the car. If it is in the car it can be done but you are going to need the tool (around three hundred dollars) if it is out just take it to your local machine shop.

[adantessr]

I have replaced several cam bearing sets, (while I worked in a shop) but always with the engine out of the car and the crank out of the engine . I would say it is possible to replace all of the cam bearings except the rear one with the engine still in the car. But would I advise replacing any less than the full set . No ! Unless all of the cam bearings have the same ID the cam is going to be constantly flexing, albeit only thousandths or ten thousandths, but nontheless flexing. Best bet is bring it to a machine shop and have all of the welch plugs replaced while you are at it . JMHO

[techinspector1]

My best advice is....unless you can tell that the cam bearings are completely worn out by rattling the cam up and down in its bore, leave the cam bearings alone. Do not vat the block in caustic material as it will eat the bearings. Not every engine build requires new cam bearings.

[adantessr]

Originally Posted by techinspector1

My best advice is....unless you can tell that the cam bearings are completely worn out by rattling the cam up and down in its bore, leave the cam bearings alone. Do not vat the block in caustic material as it will eat the bearings. Not every engine build requires new cam bearings.

X2 ............Once again techinspector says it best. Gotta love the old curmudgeon .

[crussell85]

Originally Posted by techinspector1

My best advice is....unless you can tell that the cam bearings are completely worn out by rattling the cam up and down in its bore, leave the cam bearings alone. Do not vat the block in caustic material as it will eat the bearings. Not every engine build requires new cam bearings.

is there a way to check all the different bearings in an engine for wear?

[lanier ledford]

I guess I missed the point again? why would someone change cam bearing without rebuilding the engine? You rebuild or overhauling? What are you doing, and why?

[eloc431962]

Originally Posted by crussell85

is there a way to check all the different bearings in an engine for wear?

Yep tear it down and take a look. JMO


Cole

[adantessr]

Originally Posted by crussell85

is there a way to check all the different bearings in an engine for wear?

You can plastigauge the rod and main bearings .

[V8 Super Beetle]

Originally Posted by crussell85

is there a way to check all the different bearings in an engine for wear?

You could take a flashlight and look at the bearings. Unless they are scored / scratch from a cam removal or install, the should be okay. The camshaft rotates half the speed the crank does.

[truckboy61]

I was planning on replacing the font one only during my cam removal the gear scrapped and grooved into it badly. The motor is still in cAr removed bumper and grill a local machine shopped said for 75 buck they would come and remove and replace front bearing? The third bearing has a small groove also but very minor, must it be removed also?

[adantessr]

If the small groove in the third bearing is just a scratch and not into the steel shell I would just replace the front bearing and run it. As always this is just my opinion and what I would do. I assume you are installing a new cam so be sure to coat all the lobes with cam lube and oil the bearings and put the cam gear on the cam to make it easier to keep the cam centered in the bearings . If this is a flat tappet cam don't forget the zinc additive and use proper cam breakin procedure . There is a WIKI article on it . Allan

[crussell85]

for 75 bucks I would buy the tool to do the cam bearing myself if you know what you are doing with it, then you have the tool forever.