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To install new cam bearings...where to get a tool?

SwedCharger67

SwedCharger67

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Hi all,
since I have very limited possibilities manufacturing anything myself I probably need to buy a tool for installing new cam bearings in my bigblock.
Anybody having a link, info or good ideas about a good tool that's not awfully expensive?
Cheers,
 
There's no one over there that has a better tool for doing that? After dealing with several blocks that ended up with tight cams, I finally made one.....haven't had that problem again since! Those universal ones are not that great IMO.....
 
Some times on big blocks you need to use a bearing knife and scrape the high spots to free the cam
 
Cranky said:
There's no one over there that has a better tool for doing that? After dealing with several blocks that ended up with tight cams, I finally made one.....haven't had that problem again since! Those universal ones are not that great IMO.....
Click to expand...

Most of the errors with the Lisle tool come from people not making sure the cone is TIGHT against the main bearing bore when installing. It's kinda tricky to do but you can do it if you're careful.
 
A buddy of mine has a good used one he will sell. Might save you a few bucks. PM me if you are interested.
 
In my opinion, your better off to pay a shop to install cam bearings. If it doesn't fit right, it's their problem. While installing cam bearings isn't rocket science, it does take some ability to do it.
 
happyjackdaddy54 said:
In my opinion, your better off to pay a shop to install cam bearings. If it doesn't fit right, it's their problem. While installing cam bearings isn't rocket science, it does take some ability to do it.
Click to expand...

I reckon if your mechanical abilities are very limited, that's a good choice. I like learnin new things.....and teachin new things. That's why I did a cam bearing how to install thread. I did machine work for several years and you're dead right. It's not rocket science by a long shot. All you have to do is make sure the bores and bearings are bur free, install the correct bearings in the correct bores and line some oil holes up. I could teach a third grader could do it in 30 minutes. I prefer to expand horizons, so I'll grab any bull by the horns anytime. You know why? Because I can frig it up just as good as a professional. And if you don't think they make mistakes, you gotta nuther thing comin. lol
 
Many times on mopars you need to do more than just installing cam bearings to get the right clearance, sometimes you need to hone bearings and even take a thousandth or 2 off the cam bearings.

I use the lisle tool and think it's great for installing cam bearings, in my experience i would instal the cam bearing and then instal the cam and check it as you instal each bearing so when you get the problem you know EXACTLY which bearing it is.

This happens more than you know, common issue.
 
Supershafts said:
... in my experience i would instal the cam bearing and then instal the cam and check it as you instal each bearing so when you get the problem you know EXACTLY which bearing it is.
Click to expand...

Good idea, thanks, that's the way I'll do it!

But I agree with Rusty, I trust myself more than any machine shop. I carefully check and measure all that has been somewhere for any machining or assembly (which I try to avoid...).
 
Last edited:
it was a lot easier than i expected. thanks to Robs cam bearing thread , mine when in like butter. my number 4 was a little tight , i cut a groove in my old cam and scraped it with a few slow spins and my cam spun freely. it was not difficult what so ever.
 
I actually bought my cam bearing tool set from the Matco tool man as he got a good one for me. Dont remember what I paid as it was some years ago. Course with the bigblock Mopar you need to make real sure you put the right cam bearing in the right hole as they are so close in size yet not the same size. Ron
 
Yup. That right there is why I never buy off brand bearings. All of the quality brands have each individual bearing part number printed on the box, with its position marked. I have seen cheap sets before that have no placement printed.


383man said:
I actually bought my cam bearing tool set from the Matco tool man as he got a good one for me. Dont remember what I paid as it was some years ago. Course with the bigblock Mopar you need to make real sure you put the right cam bearing in the right hole as they are so close in size yet not the same size. Ron
Click to expand...
 
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