Cam Bearings 2008

		March 19, 2017

This topic and subsequent job is another hot topic of debate for several reasons.

One, it is very time consuming and expensive.

Two, not every engine needs it and many argue that it's not needed at all.

Three, not every machine shop will do it, no matter what the price due to the
time needed to do it properly and how long it ties up valuable equipment.

With that being said, I decided to dedicate a separate page to this,
because of all the detail involved, so that viewers can see exactly what takes
place and why it takes so long.

**** Viewers are warned that if they attempt any mechanical repairs or modifications,
or follow procedures referred to here, they do so at their own risk, and no liability will
attach to either myself or Mason's Racing Engines.****

Starting with a spotlessly clean block is essential to doing this correctly.

Extremely precise line boring machines, which include the capabilities to allow
boring for cam bearings are necessary for doing this work

Once the block is setup and the process begins, it is necessary to run constantly
until either the cam or main line boring process is completed in it's entirety.

Center line mandrels determine and control the cutting process.

Several dial indicators are setup inside the block to monitor the slow and tedious process.

Stability is crucial to insure that the block boring is perfectly straight. Naturally, the
block has been completely checked and magnafluxed prior to any of this work takes place.

The cam boring process is just that...BORING....010" at a time each taken from each
journal and then the process starts at number one and back through all over again.

By the time this is completed, there is a lot of fine particulate left below the block
on the machine's deck.

A few looks inside after boring and cleaning prior to the cam bearing installation.

Just enough metal to be able to machine the block to allow the bearings to fit.

Straight as an arrow and ready for the new bearings.

Bearings installed and viewed from the back of the block.

A look inside at a new bearing happily in it's new home.

A view from the front of the engine after the cam has been fitted and removed.

Another view in the center of the block of a newly installed bearing ready to go.

The entire boring process to fit the cam bearings takes over nine (9) hours.
The machinist/operator must be at the machine the entire time.
The cam bearings are not installed until the line boring for the crankshaft
is completed and the block has been hot tanked and detergent washed under
high pressure at least two more times to remove all machining particulate.

That is why this process is so expensive, if you can even find a shop willing to do it.

Thanks Bob!!!

Mason's Racing Engines

53 Hartford Avenue

North Scituate, RI 02857

Toll Free 888-235-1622

This site was last updated 03/19/17