The Ultimate Guide to Installing Cam Bearings on Your Small Block Chevy

Installing cam bearings is a critical step in rebuilding or modifying a small block Chevy (SBC) engine. It requires precision and attention to detail to ensure proper engine performance and longevity. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and important considerations for a successful cam bearing installation.

Importance of Cam Bearings

Cam bearings are cylindrical shells that provide a smooth and supportive surface for the camshaft to rotate on. They reduce friction and wear, ensuring proper timing and valve operation. Worn or damaged cam bearings can compromise engine performance, leading to premature failure and costly repairs.

Types of Cam Bearings

SBC cam bearings come in two primary types:

• Standard bearings: Designed for use with stock camshafts.
• Oversized bearings: Used with high-performance camshafts that have been ground to larger diameters.

Materials and Specifications

Cam bearings are typically made of steel, bronze, or aluminum. Steel bearings are the most durable but require higher oil pressure to lubricate. Bronze bearings are quieter and have better heat dissipation properties. Aluminum bearings are lightweight and offer low friction.

The bearing clearance is crucial for proper oil flow and engine operation. SBC cam bearings have a standard clearance of 0.002-0.003 inches.

Tools and Materials

To install cam bearings, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Cam bearing installation tool
• Bearing driver
• Micrometer
• Dial bore gauge
• Engine cleaner
• Cam bearing lubricant
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Installing bearings in the wrong direction: Bearings have a specific orientation, so ensure they are installed correctly.
• Over-tightening the bearing driver: Excessive force can damage the bearings.
• Using insufficient lubrication: Proper lubrication is essential to prevent binding and wear.
• Installing bearings in a dirty engine: Clean the engine block thoroughly before installing bearings to prevent contaminants.

Step-by-Step Approach

1. Preparation:

• Clean the engine block and bearing saddles thoroughly.
• Inspect the bearing saddles for any damage or wear.

2. Bearing Measurement:

• Use a micrometer to measure the diameter of the bearing saddles.
• Subtract 0.002-0.003 inches from the saddle diameter to determine the correct bearing size.

3. Bearing Lubrication:

• Apply a thin layer of cam bearing lubricant to the bearings and bearing saddles.

4. Bearing Installation:

• Use a cam bearing installation tool to align and press the bearings into the saddles.
• Tap the bearing driver gently with a hammer to seat the bearing fully.

5. Bearing Alignment:

• Use a dial bore gauge to check the bearing alignment.
• The gauge should indicate a true bore with no more than 0.001 inches runout.

6. Bearing Inspection:

• Inspect the installed bearings for any damage or misalignment.
• If any bearings are damaged or misaligned, remove and replace them.

7. Camshaft Installation:

• Apply camshaft lubricant to the camshaft journals.
• Slide the camshaft into the bearing saddles and align it properly.

8. Cam Bearing Break-in:

• Run the engine at idle for 20-30 minutes to break in the cam bearings.
• Monitor oil pressure and temperature during break-in.

9. Final Inspection:

• After the break-in period, recheck cam bearing alignment and inspect for any signs of wear or damage.

Advanced Features

• High-performance bearings: Bearings designed for high-performance engines with increased loads and temperatures.
• Coated bearings: Bearings with a special coating to reduce friction and wear.
• Chamfered bearings: Bearings with beveled edges to facilitate camshaft installation.

Humorous Stories

Story 1:

A mechanic was installing cam bearings in his neighbor's engine. He accidentally installed the bearings upside down, causing the camshaft to bind and the engine to seize. The neighbor returned the car, claiming it was "running backwards."

Lesson: Pay attention to bearing orientation.

Story 2:

A novice engine builder over-lubricated the cam bearings, resulting in excessive oil pressure. The pressure blew out the rear main seal, leaving a trail of oil across the garage floor.

Lesson: Lubricate bearings sparingly.

Story 3:

An experienced mechanic forgot to clean the engine block before installing cam bearings. The bearings became contaminated with dirt and debris, leading to premature wear. The mechanic ended up reinstalling the cam bearings several times before realizing his mistake.

Lesson: Cleanliness is crucial for engine durability.

Conclusion

Installing cam bearings on an SBC engine requires precision, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of the process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, using the appropriate tools and materials, and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure a successful cam bearing installation that will contribute to the longevity and performance of your engine.

References

• How to Install Cam Bearings in a Chevy Small Block

Tables

Table 1: SBC Cam Bearing Specifications

Table 2: Cam Bearing Installation Tools

Table 3: Cam Bearing Lubricants