Cam Bearing

[Dart 65]

I have the cam bearings in my '69 340 installed. As I was cleaning the block, however, I noticed that the first bearing is slightly off. One hole lines up perfectly, but the other doesn't quite. Did the shop install the wrong bearings? Is this something to worry about?

[dwc43]

Could have put them in wrong. You need to correct this asap.

[John Kunkel]

The first bearing has two holes? I thought only the #2 and #4 on a small block had two holes.

[Dart 65]

I might be mistaken that it was the second and not the first bearing. I'll check and post again.

[John Kunkel]

A slight misalignment won't cause any problem, the holes can flow more oil than the bearings/heads will ever need, even if slightly misaligned.

[heigleracing]

you can drill from the main saddle up towards the top of the block to open up an orifice in the cam bearing. Even with perfectly installed cam bearings it may still fall short of perfect alignment. drill slow and easy. should take 5 seconds per bearing. i do this to every motor I build.

[Dart 65]

So I can enlarge the oiling hole with no problems? I was wondering if that was going to be okay. I'd probably have to get my rattail file and make sure there was no flash or other bits hanging around on the bearing once the cam goes in.

[dwc43]

Yes, you can redril the oil passages and englarge them slightly for improved oiling. It's really needed if you plan to reace it some. Check out Sanvorns oiling mods in the circle track section. Most people do the simple mods to make the small blocks survive. What ever you do, just make sure to correct that alignment problem so you want cause an oiling issue latter on.