Lubricate cam bearing od at install

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BB73Challenger

BB73Challenger

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Hi everyone, doing some research as I'm installing new cam bearings on my 400 stroker.

The question i have, is who is lubing the cam bearing outside diameter before installing?

It feels like the bearings being oversized to achieve a press fit, it shouldn't matter?
The input I've read almost seems split.

Thanks for the feedback!
 
Vaseline petroleum jelly.

Works for me on the installs, assembly lube is too slippery and stays in there. Could lead to a turned cam bearing.

@RustyRatRod recommends vaseline for installing cam bearings into the blocks on his How to Install Cam Bearings video.

Of course assembly lube, like Lucas Engine Oil Treatment (the thick stuff like STP) to be used on the cam journal side for installing the camshaft into the new cam bearings that are in the block.

Screenshot_20210707-195309_Messages.jpg

Small Block used fitting cam ^^^ with relief cuts.
 
Pull 'em in dry. There is a lot of force being used and I don't think KY is gonna make a lick 'a difference.
 
Never lubed the od of one. Why would you need to lube them?
 
I've installed many sets in everything from SBC and SBF to BBM.....always did them dry and zero issues. Use a good driver and take your time.
 
I've never saw a professional engine builder lube a cam bearing for installation and in 40-years I've never lubed them. You just need to have a quality bearing driver and they will go in fine. I would be far more concerned that once installed you have the proper clearances.

Tom
 
I just check the tunnel to make sure there are no burrs on the fitting surface and put them in dry. I also like to break the leading edge of the cam bearing with some fine sandpaper to make sure the machining process has not left a raised edge on the chamfer .
 
I've never used any lube for od , they're press fit & the hammer is use I might knock em right out the other side. Dry, take your time.
 
Bakerlite said:
I just check the tunnel to make sure there are no burrs on the fitting surface and put them in dry. I also like to break the leading edge of the cam bearing with some fine sandpaper to make sure the machining process has not left a raised edge on the chamfer .
Click to expand...
My guy uses a knife.
 
I wouldn’t use sand paper, my buddy at the machine shop says even scotch brite pads will leave grit in the babbit. I sharpened the end of a 3 sided file and taped the rest. Make great bearing scrapers. Never have I put any astroglide on the bearing before driving it in though. My first assumption would be the cam going in tight, and while turning and looking for the shiny spots the bearing would rotate and the oil ports would no longer line up. I know it’s just paranoia, but I had never even considered it
 
Lubing the OD of a cam bearing may make it spin easier... Why would anyone want to spin a cam bearing??? :BangHead: :wtf:


Put them in dry... :D
 
oldkimmer said:
I have never lubed the od ever in over 100 engines. Kim
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Yessir...dry hump 'em all the way!:D

I bought a Lisle-brand tool years ago, and of course became 'cam bearing guy' lol...and have never had an issue after install doing them dry. Oh sure, I've had to scrape and/or use the cutter cam, and sometimes I might smooth a little chamfer on the journals first...but I do think you want to put them in dry. Anything to lessen the odds of a spinner can't hurt IMO.
 
TheGrateRonzini said:
I wouldn’t use sand paper, my buddy at the machine shop says even scotch brite pads will leave grit in the babbit. I sharpened the end of a 3 sided file and taped the rest. Make great bearing scrapers. Never have I put any astroglide on the bearing before driving it in though. My first assumption would be the cam going in tight, and while turning and looking for the shiny spots the bearing would rotate and the oil ports would no longer line up. I know it’s just paranoia, but I had never even considered it
Click to expand...
I'm not talking about the bearing material, I'm talking about breaking the edge of the steel backing of the bearing.
 
I usually "hammer" them in. But I'd like to make a tool to press them in.
I can't help feeling that sometimes when you hammer them in, it can cause some distortion and high spots on the bearing surface.
 
Bakerlite said:
I usually "hammer" them in. But I'd like to make a tool to press them in.
I can't help feeling that sometimes when you hammer them in, it can cause some distortion and high spots on the bearing surface.
Click to expand...
That's why I lube them with something and always have and will continue to. They ain't goin anywhere.
 
RustyRatRod said:
That's why I lube them with something and always have and will continue to. They ain't goin anywhere.
Click to expand...

I like that thin vaseline petroleum, it melts and runs off at 106°. Get a good fit on the cam bearings to begin with, and will be good over time. Oil is going to wash out and replace that vaseline when the engine gets up to temp. anyway.
 
Bakerlite said:
I usually "hammer" them in. But I'd like to make a tool to press them in.
I can't help feeling that sometimes when you hammer them in, it can cause some distortion and high spots on the bearing surface.
Click to expand...

Yes was thinking the same, set up a port-to-power with the proper dies and push them in. Then I saw RustyRatRod's cam install video using vaseline, that was the ticket with the mopar tap in cam bearing installer, soft taps.

The lube seems to help them go in straight and square, (especially for a novice) instead of digging into the bearings outter race at the block. Easier to start them in the hole, and double check for oil holes line up, easy to tap back and adjust if not starting to line up right.
 
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