The Ford Barn

Ken/Alabama · 01-23-2019, 10:52 AM

Is it a bad idea to reuse cam bearings? Removed a set from my V12 and they are in good condition , probably less than 2K miles on them. New ones are available, just pricey.

Kurt in NJ · 01-23-2019, 11:59 AM

I have reused rod bearings, main bearings with over 300000 miles on Mercedes engines and had good results, but I looked close with magnifying glass for embedded debris, , much depends on the failure that caused removal of the bearings, with cam bearings the removal process, installation can damage them, perhaps the interference fit may be compromised by removing and installing--- if the fit is good, the clearance is good and there are no embedded debris go for it, if it doesn't come out good you can always spend for new

Ol' Ron · 01-23-2019, 03:46 PM

The cam bearings are the best lubricated bearing in the engine. AS for new bearings, I've recieved word from a few builders that the bearing sizes are no good, one was ,006 under. Measure the cam and bearings if the clearance is under .003 uz them

51 MERC-CT · 01-23-2019, 04:54 PM

Won't the clearance depend on whether measured as installed in engine?

Ol' Ron · 01-24-2019, 08:51 AM

The only way to measure the cam bearings is: in the block,as they are a press fit. I use a snap gauge, takes alittle practice.

JSeery · 01-24-2019, 08:57 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

I use a snap gauge, takes a little practice.

That's a fact!

01-23-2019, 10:52 AM	#1
Ken/Alabama Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,257	Cam Bearings Is it a bad idea to reuse cam bearings? Removed a set from my V12 and they are in good condition , probably less than 2K miles on them. New ones are available, just pricey.

01-23-2019, 11:59 AM	#2
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,156	Re: Cam Bearings I have reused rod bearings, main bearings with over 300000 miles on Mercedes engines and had good results, but I looked close with magnifying glass for embedded debris, , much depends on the failure that caused removal of the bearings, with cam bearings the removal process, installation can damage them, perhaps the interference fit may be compromised by removing and installing--- if the fit is good, the clearance is good and there are no embedded debris go for it, if it doesn't come out good you can always spend for new

01-23-2019, 03:46 PM	#3
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,857	Re: Cam Bearings The cam bearings are the best lubricated bearing in the engine. AS for new bearings, I've recieved word from a few builders that the bearing sizes are no good, one was ,006 under. Measure the cam and bearings if the clearance is under .003 uz them

01-23-2019, 04:54 PM	#4
51 MERC-CT Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Hartford, Ct Posts: 5,898	Re: Cam Bearings Won't the clearance depend on whether measured as installed in engine? __________________ DON'T RECALL DOING SOMETHING FOR MYSELF BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE'S LIKES OR DISLIKES

01-24-2019, 08:51 AM	#5
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,857	Re: Cam Bearings The only way to measure the cam bearings is: in the block,as they are a press fit. I use a snap gauge, takes alittle practice.