- Joined
- Aug 7, 2010
- Messages
- 5,074
- Reaction score
- 10
- Location
- McDermitt, NV
- My Car
- 1973 Convertible H Code, 351C 2V FMX
Well, I was almost ready to start putting the motor back together, when I was inspecting the cam bearings and noticed the #3 bearing was slightly damaged. So, I figured I might as well replace them while I've got everything torn apart.
First, I needed to order the bearings (about $35 for the set of 5 from the local NAPA) and then track down a cam bearing tool and figure out how to use it. I was able to borrow one and through trial and error figured out how to put it together and use it to both removed the old bearing and install the new ones.
Here's what the tool looks like assembled:
I didn't have the instructions for the tool, and couldn't find much help on the internet, so here's a picture of the business end of the tool when assembled:
And here it is with the parts disassembled:
Here's a picture of the old cam bearings, and you can see why #3 needed to be replaced:
Using the cam bearing tool is pretty straight forward. Slide the tool into the cam journal, then place the bearing on the business end of the tool and tighten the knob until it's snug. Then line up the bearing with the journal and tap the tool until the cam is seated. Make sure the oil holes in the bearing line up.
Make sure that the cam is centered and aligned correctly. If not, you'll be able to tell because it' really hard to tap the bearing in. If you just keep whacking it, it'll eventually go in, but you'll damage the bearing and then you'll have to buy a whole new set to replace the one (or two) that you damaged. That's what happened with bearings 2 and 4 (pictured here) when I stubbornly just bashed away until they were ruined:
So, now I'm waiting on another set so I can re-do 2 and 4, and then really get started on the rebuild.
Doc
First, I needed to order the bearings (about $35 for the set of 5 from the local NAPA) and then track down a cam bearing tool and figure out how to use it. I was able to borrow one and through trial and error figured out how to put it together and use it to both removed the old bearing and install the new ones.
Here's what the tool looks like assembled:
I didn't have the instructions for the tool, and couldn't find much help on the internet, so here's a picture of the business end of the tool when assembled:
And here it is with the parts disassembled:
Here's a picture of the old cam bearings, and you can see why #3 needed to be replaced:
Using the cam bearing tool is pretty straight forward. Slide the tool into the cam journal, then place the bearing on the business end of the tool and tighten the knob until it's snug. Then line up the bearing with the journal and tap the tool until the cam is seated. Make sure the oil holes in the bearing line up.
Make sure that the cam is centered and aligned correctly. If not, you'll be able to tell because it' really hard to tap the bearing in. If you just keep whacking it, it'll eventually go in, but you'll damage the bearing and then you'll have to buy a whole new set to replace the one (or two) that you damaged. That's what happened with bearings 2 and 4 (pictured here) when I stubbornly just bashed away until they were ruined:
So, now I'm waiting on another set so I can re-do 2 and 4, and then really get started on the rebuild.
Doc