cam bearing alignment question

[340rt]

Hi, I need to install a set of cam bearings in my 340.I do have the Snap on tool and some previous experience . However aligning the oil holes has always been a little tricky. Can you give me some ideas on how you do it?

I'll appreciate your replies .

[jelsr]

Might be my imagination but I think it works better if you have the block sitting vertically on the bench. The bearing and driver will not move when you let go to stand back and eyeball the alighnment, then adjust and eyeball, etc. Put the back one in first then turn the block over to do the rest and use the extension and soft hammer on the front and rear ones.

[rumblefish360]

I just did this on my 318. Since it was my first time, the first set was ruined. I slipppped on that thinking cap and came up with this idea.

A mark made on the outside of the bearing, directly above the oil hole. Like a top dead center mark made near the edge. This way you can line up that mark to the top of the journal.

Worked for me. There in here someplace. Have a look. I re-did the front bearing due to the hole being half on. Hence the second set. Click this for some pictures. http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/...ad.php?t=10508

[340rt]

Great project Rumblefish! Lots of good ideas and pictures ,including your cam bearing installation experience.

[rumblefish360]

Thanks. I hope you get and got the idea of what I was saying and I hope the installation goes well for you.
If the first set gets screwed up, consider it the price of learning and brush off the cost.
Just re-use the old bearings for practice over and over. Remember they can only be drivin in once and only once. After that, there shot.
The idea is there hammered in with the tool like being pressed in. Once done, it's good or bad, no if and or buts about it.
If it's not aligned and you re-install the bearing, it may spin because there outside diameter is not the same any more. It is now no good. Throw it away.

[340rt]

Thank you rumblefish. I agree that there is no room for mistakes here and that's exactly the reason I asked . Anyway , now that I know the dos and don'ts of the game it's time to start playing...

Thanks again.