The Ultimate Guide to Installing SBC Cam Bearings

Introduction

Small block Chevy engines are some of the most popular engines for hot rods, muscle cars, and race cars. One of the most important components of a small block Chevy engine is the camshaft. The camshaft opens and closes the valves, which in turn controls the flow of air and fuel into and out of the engine. The camshaft rides on bearings that are installed in the engine block. These bearings are critical to the proper operation of the engine and must be installed correctly.

How to Install SBC Cam Bearings

Installing SBC cam bearings is a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the bearings are installed correctly.

Tools and Materials

You will need the following tools and materials to install SBC cam bearings:

• A bearing installer tool
• A hammer
• A drift punch
• A machinist's scale
• A dial bore gauge
• A micrometer
• A set of feeler gauges
• A can of engine assembly lube
• A set of new cam bearings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean the bearing surfaces

The first step is to clean the bearing surfaces in the engine block. Use a solvent to remove any oil or grease from the surfaces. Then, use a wire brush to clean any rust or corrosion from the surfaces.

2. Install the bearings

Once the bearing surfaces are clean, you can install the bearings. Apply a thin coat of engine assembly lube to the bearing surfaces. Then, using a bearing installer tool, carefully press the bearings into place. Be sure to press the bearings in until they are flush with the surface of the block.

3. Check the bearing clearance

Once the bearings are installed, you need to check the bearing clearance. Use a machinist's scale to measure the diameter of the bearing. Then, use a dial bore gauge to measure the diameter of the camshaft. The difference between the two measurements is the bearing clearance. The bearing clearance should be between 0.002 inches and 0.004 inches.

4. Correct the bearing clearance

If the bearing clearance is not within specifications, you will need to correct it. To increase the bearing clearance, use a drift punch to carefully drive the bearing inward. To decrease the bearing clearance, use a drift punch to carefully drive the bearing outward.

5. Lubricate the bearings

Once the bearing clearance is correct, you need to lubricate the bearings. Apply a thin coat of engine assembly lube to the bearings. Then, rotate the camshaft by hand to distribute the lubricant.

6. Install the camshaft

Once the bearings are lubricated, you can install the camshaft. Carefully lower the camshaft into place. Be sure to align the timing marks on the camshaft with the timing marks on the crankshaft.

7. Torque the camshaft bolts

Once the camshaft is in place, you need to torque the camshaft bolts. Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the specified torque.

8. Check the camshaft end play

Once the camshaft bolts are torqued, you need to check the camshaft end play. Use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance between the end of the camshaft and the thrust plate. The camshaft end play should be between 0.004 inches and 0.008 inches.

Tips for Installing SBC Cam Bearings

Here are a few tips for installing SBC cam bearings:

• Use a bearing installer tool to press the bearings into place. This will help to ensure that the bearings are installed correctly and that they are not damaged.
• Check the bearing clearance carefully. The bearing clearance should be between 0.002 inches and 0.004 inches.
• Lubricate the bearings before installing the camshaft. This will help to prevent the bearings from wearing out prematurely.
• Torque the camshaft bolts to the specified torque. This will help to ensure that the camshaft is properly secured.
• Check the camshaft end play carefully. The camshaft end play should be between 0.004 inches and 0.008 inches.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble installing SBC cam bearings, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Make sure that the bearing surfaces are clean and free of any oil, grease, or rust.
• Make sure that the bearing installer tool is the correct size for the bearings.
• Make sure that the bearing clearance is correct.
• Make sure that the bearings are lubricated before installing the camshaft.
• Make sure that the camshaft bolts are torqued to the specified torque.
• Make sure that the camshaft end play is correct.

Stories from the Shop

Here are a few stories from the shop about installing SBC cam bearings:

• One time, I was installing cam bearings in a customer's engine. I had just finished pressing the bearings into place when I noticed that one of the bearings was loose. I tried to press the bearing in further, but it wouldn't budge. I finally realized that the bearing was not the correct size for the engine. I had to remove the bearing and install a new one.
• Another time, I was installing cam bearings in an engine that was going to be used in a race car. The customer wanted the bearings to be as tight as possible. I pressed the bearings into place until they were flush with the surface of the block. However, when I checked the bearing clearance, I found that it was too tight. I had to remove the bearings and install new ones.
• Finally, I once had a customer who was very particular about the way his engine was built. He wanted the cam bearings to be installed to within 0.0005 inches of the specified clearance. I spent several hours carefully installing the bearings. When I was finished, the customer was very happy with the results.

Conclusion

Installing SBC cam bearings is a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the bearings are installed correctly. By following the tips and troubleshooting advice in this article, you can avoid common problems and ensure that your engine runs smoothly and reliably.