Cam installation trouble

[sawz]

I'm doing an OEM lifter and cam replacement. #5 lifters and cam lobes are definitely damaged. I decided to stick with OEM parts for the replacements. I have everything uninstalled and am ready to start putting it all back together. I was very careful taking the cam out, it came out pretty easily actually.

The problem is, I can't get the new cam to go back into the block completely. I'll get it almost all the way in by carefully rotating it to get the bearings to line up, the first bearing surface on the end of the cam goes in no problem, then it will bind when i get to the middle or just before the farthest one out. I tried freezing the cam overnight to "shrink" it just slightly, old trick I learned working on motorcycles, but it simply won't go all the way in. I've watched a dozen DIY how to videos and all of them seem that the cam just slides right in.

What am I doing wrong? Or any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Grams]

Have you used a boroscope and/or bright light to confirm there’s no obstruction?

 

[sawz]

Not yet, was just going to go to the auto parts store to see if I can rent a borescope. Heads are off and lifters are out so that isn't an issue. I don't think anything fell into the engine, but you never know I guess. I'll try that. I guess it's possible a bearing got damaged removing the old cam, but I was very careful, only used my hands, no tools at all. Slowly rotated it to get past the bearing races etc.

 

[sawz]

Thought maybe this could be due to using oil instead of assembly lube so picking some of that up also. Maybe too dry going back together?

 

[sawz]

Well. Assembly lube did the trick. Checked with a bore scope first, no obstructions and no visible damage to the bearing races. Lubed it up real good and this time it went in.

 

[sawz]

Got back at it this weekend. Making good progress. Timing set, heads back on, valve covers back on. Intake and front cover tomorrow, then it's just accessories to finish it up. I also put on some shorties while I had it apart.

 

[Wild one]

Got back at it this weekend. Making good progress. Timing set, heads back on, valve covers back on. Intake and front cover tomorrow, then it's just accessories to finish it up. I also put on some shorties while I had it apart.

Make sure you turn the engine over by hand several revolutions ,before you hit the starter,that way if things aren't quite right,you'll find them,and be able to fix the issue,before it costs you money in more parts.If things go into a bind,don't force it,figure out why it's binding.

 

[sawz]

One thing is not like the others! Always double check your work!

 

[Wild one]

One thing is not like the others! Always double check your work!

Little bit of hammering,and it'll be good as new

 

[Streetsport]

Hi. I’m trying to install my new cam shaft and am running into the same trouble. I have Lucas assembly lube on it and it gets almost to the end and feels like it’s locking in place once the first part of the from journal goes in and I almost $&@“ my pants before I pop it back out with all the force I can manage. I guess I’ll get some more lube from the parts store in the morning but any other advice?

I have the mmx no tune camshaft i wonder if I’d have better luck with a mopar cam or could a machine shop grind down the mmx cam to match the size of the one I pulled out?

 

[Streetsport]

Hi. I’m trying to install my new cam shaft and am running into the same trouble. I have Lucas assembly lube on it and it gets almost to the end and feels like it’s locking in place once the first part of the from journal goes in and I almost $&@“ my pants before I pop it back out with all the force I can manage. I guess I’ll get some more lube from the parts store in the morning but any other advice?

I have the mmx no tune camshaft i wonder if I’d have better luck with a mopar cam or could a machine shop grind down the mmx cam to match the size of the one I pulled out?

I measured the cam journals this morning and have: 2.426, 2.274, 2.257, 2.242, and 1.716. These values match the original camshaft to the best of my ability to take an accurate measurement. However the alldata table has different sizes listed for a couple. The cam bearing measures 2.428 which is within tolerance. I also inspected the other bearings and they appear to be in good shape and clear of debris. I’m going to spray everything down with break cleaner and compressed air and try again. Is it possible to have too much assembly lube? I’m not sure what else I can check or try at this point. I’m quite worried about getting the camshaft stuck because my trucks location in the garage doesn’t allow me to pull the engine.

 

[Streetsport]

I measured the cam journals this morning and have: 2.426, 2.274, 2.257, 2.242, and 1.716. These values match the original camshaft to the best of my ability to take an accurate measurement. However the alldata table has different sizes listed for a couple. The cam bearing measures 2.428 which is within tolerance. I also inspected the other bearings and they appear to be in good shape and clear of debris. I’m going to spray everything down with break cleaner and compressed air and try again. Is it possible to have too much assembly lube? I’m not sure what else I can check or try at this point. I’m quite worried about getting the camshaft stuck because my trucks location in the garage doesn’t allow me to pull the engine.

Turns out it was my own inexperience. I wasn’t providing enough counter leverage and it was getting jammed because it was an ever so slight angle. If I had to do it again I’d purchase the insertion handle to have better control because the cam bolt is pretty short

 

[Wild one]

Turns out it was my own inexperience. I wasn’t providing enough counter leverage and it was getting jammed because it was an ever so slight angle. If I had to do it again I’d purchase the insertion handle to have better control because the cam bolt is pretty short

A piece of pipe over the cam bolt helps,gives you a snipe to provide more leaverage

 

[04fxdwgi]

The handle tool can be had at amazon, Summit racing and Jegs. Amongst others

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