Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

39. Camshaft and Bearings Clean and Inspect

Camshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection

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





1. Clean the components in solvent.

Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in Service Precautions.

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 threaded bolt holes (3) in the front of the camshaft for damaged threads or debris.
6. Inspect the camshaft sprocket pin (4) for damage.
7. Inspect the camshaft position reluctor ring for nicks or 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 reused.





9. Inspect the camshaft bearings for proper fit in the engine block. Camshaft bearings have an interference fit to the engine block and should not be loose in their engine block bearing bores.
10. Inspect the camshaft bearings for excessive wear or scoring.
Bearings with excessive scoring or wear must be replaced.





11. Measure the camshaft journals for wear and out-of-round with a micrometer.
- If the camshaft bearing journals are more than 0.025 mm (0.001 inch) out-of-round, replace the camshaft.
- If the camshaft bearing journal diameter is less that 54.99 mm (2.164 inch), replace the camshaft.





12. Measure the camshaft lobes for wear with a micrometer.
- A 4.8/5.3 L camshaft with an intake lobe that measures 46.169 mm (1.817 inch) or less must be replaced.
- A 4.8/5.3 L camshaft with an exhaust lobe that measures 46.199 mm (1.818 inch) or less must be replaced.
- A 6.0 L camshaft with an intake lobe that measures 46.31 mm (1.823 inch) or less must be replaced.
- A 6.0 L camshaft with an exhaust lobe that measures 46.31 mm (1.823 inch) or less must be replaced.





13. Measure the camshaft runout.
13.1. Mount the camshaft in wooden V blocks or between centers on a fixture.
13.2. Check the runout of the intermediate camshaft bearing journals using the J 7872.
13.3. If camshaft runout exceeds 0.05 mm (0.002 inch), the camshaft is bent and should be replaced.

Measuring Camshaft Lobe Lift





Important: 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. Measure camshaft lobe lift using J 8520.
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 3520 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 lift shown to specifications:
- The proper lobe lift for 4.8/5.3 L intake lobes is 6.82 mm (0.268 inch).
- The proper lobe lid for 4.8/5.3 L exhaust lobes is 6.96 mm (0.274 inch).
- The proper lobe lip for 6.0 L intake lobes is 6.96 mm (0.274 inch).
- The proper lobe lid for 6.0 L exhaust lobes is 7.13 mm (0.281 inch).