Author Topic: Cam is too tight with coated bearings?  (Read 5967 times)

Offline brads70

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Cam is too tight with coated bearings?
« on: May 18, 2012 - 08:40:28 PM »
I'm finding the cam is too tight when I install it in my freshly machined 400 block.
( assembling a 451") I'm using coated bearings ? I have ordered another set of bearings to try? It seems to just be the front most bearing that has the issue. It leaves  marks on the bottom of the bearing around the oil hole. I tried a 3 edge scraper around the oil hole and it's better but I'm still not comfortable with how tight it is?  I can move it with a screwdriver as a lever with a couple of bolts in the end of the cam but it's too tight still. 
Anyone else run into this? I understand cam bearings are a common issue with Mopars?
Thanks Brad
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0




Offline Cuda Cody

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Re: Cam is too tight with coated bearings?
« Reply #1 on: May 18, 2012 - 10:04:57 PM »
Take the cam to a machine shop and they will polish it.  Easy quick fix and it will be perfect.  Done this a few times when the cam is to tight and it would perfectly.  If the machine shop builds motors they will know exactly what to do.  Should be between 400 and 600 grit.
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Offline Cuda Cody

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Re: Cam is too tight with coated bearings?
« Reply #2 on: May 18, 2012 - 10:06:44 PM »
FYI, I've heard if you can turn it with a standard wrench... you're fine, but any thing like having to use a screw driver as a pry bar and it's to tight.
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Offline brads70

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Re: Cam is too tight with coated bearings?
« Reply #3 on: May 18, 2012 - 10:15:01 PM »
Take the cam to a machine shop and they will polish it.  Easy quick fix and it will be perfect.  Done this a few times when the cam is to tight and it would perfectly.  If the machine shop builds motors they will know exactly what to do.  Should be between 400 and 600 grit.

Ya thats the plan if the new bearings are too tight. I'll do it myself, I have a nice lathe here at home.
Thanks for the reply! :wave:
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline 72cudamaan

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Re: Cam is too tight with coated bearings?
« Reply #4 on: May 18, 2012 - 10:30:28 PM »
Or you could have the cam bores line honed and you'll never have that problem
again ( at least with that block),
If I cant fix it, it's broke
 
Andy  (phukker whither)

Offline brads70

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Re: Cam is too tight with coated bearings?
« Reply #5 on: May 25, 2012 - 07:57:39 PM »
Got it all fixed. It was the second last bearing that was too tight. I tried another set of bearings and replaced just that one and it was better but not quite good enough, so I used a crank belt polisher and the lathe and took off .0015" off the cam on the one journal. Spins great in there now!  :woohoo:
Got the crank all installed and torqued down, that spins beautifully too! If I have time I'm gonna install the pistons/rods tomorrow! Hey this thing is finally starting to look like an engine now! :2thumbs:
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline 72cudamaan

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Re: Cam is too tight with coated bearings?
« Reply #6 on: May 25, 2012 - 08:07:07 PM »
We need pictures.  :stirpot:  :bigsmile:
If I cant fix it, it's broke
 
Andy  (phukker whither)

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Cam is too tight with coated bearings?
« Reply #7 on: May 25, 2012 - 10:53:48 PM »
It is normal to shave the bearings to get the cam to turn .

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline brads70

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Re: Cam is too tight with coated bearings?
« Reply #8 on: May 26, 2012 - 02:33:14 PM »
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Cam is too tight with coated bearings?
« Reply #9 on: May 26, 2012 - 11:12:44 PM »
Sweet  :2thumbs:

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline joelson6

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Re: Cam is too tight with coated bearings?
« Reply #10 on: May 27, 2012 - 06:47:48 PM »
that IS sweet  :2thumbs:

Offline airfueleddie

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Re: Cam is too tight with coated bearings?
« Reply #11 on: May 28, 2012 - 03:45:17 PM »
 :drool:Sweet! Looks terrific Brad! What type of cam drive are you using? It looks like a RollMaster, thats what I used. I also used the same cam button but had to remove some with a small '3' chuck lathe. I also used a 440 source timing cover but wish I had bought the AR Engineering cover to allow easy access to check for endplay without having to fiddle with the gasket/cover everytime I had to remove it to check my clearances. Judging by the size of those pistons, it's gonna rev quick&hard!!!Eddie

Offline brads70

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Re: Cam is too tight with coated bearings?
« Reply #12 on: May 28, 2012 - 05:39:31 PM »
:drool:Sweet! Looks terrific Brad! What type of cam drive are you using? It looks like a RollMaster, thats what I used. I also used the same cam button but had to remove some with a small '3' chuck lathe. I also used a 440 source timing cover but wish I had bought the AR Engineering cover to allow easy access to check for endplay without having to fiddle with the gasket/cover everytime I had to remove it to check my clearances. Judging by the size of those pistons, it's gonna rev quick&hard!!!Eddie
Thanks guys had another productive day. Got the short block all assembled. Just waiting on a few gaskets.
The cam drive is a Milodon gear drive that Alan set me up with ( Moparal) I made the button .
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline airfueleddie

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Re: Cam is too tight with coated bearings?
« Reply #13 on: May 28, 2012 - 09:08:21 PM »
 :2thumbs: