39. Camshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection

Camshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection

Special Tools
* J 7872 - Magnetic Base Dial Indicator Set
* J 8520 - Camshaft Lobe Lift Indicator

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Tools and Equipment.




1. Clean the components in solvent.
Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses and Compressed Air Warning Safety Glasses and Compressed Air Warning.

2. Dry the components with compressed air.
3. Inspect the camshaft bearing journals (1) for scoring or excessive wear.
4. Inspect the camshaft valve lifter lobes (2) for scoring or excessive wear.
5. Inspect the camshaft position (CMP) actuator oil passages (3) for restrictions.
6. Inspect the threaded bolt hole (4) in the front of the camshaft for damaged threads or debris.
7. Inspect the camshaft sprocket pin (204) for damage.
8. Inspect the camshaft retainer plate for wear or a damaged sealing gasket.
If the camshaft retainer plate sealing gasket is not cut or damaged, it may be used again.




9. Inspect the camshaft bearings for the following:

* Excessive wear, evidence of galling, pitting, scoring, or embedded debris. The appearance of the bearing material being different shades of gray are considered normal, and are not guideline for bearing replacement. Measure the bearing inside diameter (ID) as required for an over-sized condition. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications Service Limits & General Specifications.
* Proper fit in the engine block. Camshaft bearings have an interference fit to the engine block and should not be loose in the engine block bearing bores.
* The oil lubrication feed hole in the bearing must be in alignment with the drilled out passage in the block.
* The oil lubrication feed hole is not plugged by debris.
* Bearings with excessive wear or scoring must be replaced.
* Bearings with excessive wear, galling, pitting, scoring, or embedded debris must be replaced.




10. Using a micrometer, measure the camshaft journals for wear and out-of-round. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications Service Limits & General Specifications.

* If the camshaft bearing journals are out-of-round, replace the camshaft.
* If the camshaft bearing journal diameter is not within specification, replace the camshaft.




11. Using a micrometer, measure the camshaft lobes for wear. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications Service Limits & General Specifications.




12. Measure the camshaft runout.

1. Mount the camshaft in wooden V-blocks or between centers on a fixture.
2. Using the J 7872 - dial indicator set , measure the runout of the intermediate camshaft bearing journals.
3. If camshaft runout is not within specification, the camshaft is bent and should be replaced. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications Service Limits & General Specifications.

Measuring Camshaft Lobe Lift





Note: Measuring camshaft lobe lift is a procedure used to determine if the camshaft lobes have worn. This test is to be performed prior to engine disassembly and with the camshaft and valve train components installed in the engine.

1. Using the J 8520 - lobe lift indicator , measure camshaft lobe lift.
2. Remove the valve rocker arms and bolts.
3. Install the dial indicator mounting stud into the valve rocker arm bolt hole.
4. Assemble the components of the J 8520 - lobe lift indicator and position onto the stud.
5. Position the shaft of the dial indicator onto the end of the pushrod.
6. Rotate the face of the dial indicator to zero.
7. Slowly rotate the crankshaft clockwise, until the dial indicator obtains its highest and lowest readings.
8. Compare the total to specifications. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications Service Limits & General Specifications. The total lobe lift is the difference between the highest and lowest reading.