Cam Bearing install on a 360

[swing69]

I'm trying to install new cam bearings in a 74 360 short block. Old bearings are out. Trying to get the new ones in.

Sheppard book says, install 1 or 5, work outside to inner bearings. I installed #5 (rear)...then flipped the tool around to install #1 from the back side.

Bearing #1 needs to on the tool when it is between bearing 1 and 2. But I get bearing #1 between the #1 and #2 positions. Crank is in, can't put it up through the bottom. The valley "slot" is too small to get the bearing in from the top.

I think I have 2 options:

1) install # 1 from the outside, but I won't have the "cone" on the tool to align it during install.
2) drive it through the #2 bearing hole, then into the #1 position. I really hate that idea.

Am I missing something? what is the obvious "other" way that I can't see?????? :sign3:

 

[04 Diesel]

Crank has to be out.

 

[nm9stheham]

Assuming you have the front cover still off, I would simply use a block of medium hardness wood to softly drive #1 in from the front. You hold the block up against the cam bearing shell to keep it aligned and then tap it in slowly.... easy, once it starts in. You might have to use something else small to tap in the bearing edges to final position.

Your real challenge will come if any bearing is a bit distorted or misaligned and you need to scrape one or more of the cam bearings for a good fit.

 

[moper]

I just do it with the tool, without the cone. The bearing that gives me the most trouble is usually #4 or 5 when it comes to clearancing the cam and shaving the bearings.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I always start from the back and work forward. Flip the block around when you get to #2 and install from the rear. Nothin to it.

 

[nm9stheham]

I think his issue is that with the crank in place, he can't get the #1 bearing down into space between the #1 and #2 webs 'cuz the valley slot is too small....

 

[RustyRatRod]

I think his issue is that with the crank in place, he can't get the #1 bearing down into space between the #1 and #2 webs 'cuz the valley slot is too small....

As said earlier, that's why you do it with the crank out.

 

[oldkimmer]

..............U cannot drive #1 bearing thru the #2 bore as the # 1 bearing is the biggest in the front and they get smaller as u go to the rear..........kim........

 

[RustyRatRod]

..............U cannot drive #1 bearing thru the #2 bore as the # 1 bearing is the biggest in the front and they get smaller as u go to the rear..........kim........

Exactly why I recommended doing it like I described.

 

[RustyRatRod]

..............U cannot drive #1 bearing thru the #2 bore as the # 1 bearing is the biggest in the front and they get smaller as u go to the rear..........kim........

And yeah, that's the only way I KNOW how to do it. Install number two next to last. Then unscrew the collett, slide the arbor through #2, reinstall the collett with #1 bearing and drive that puppy home. I have done literally hundreds. I can install them in just about any order you want me to.