engine building professionals

oldiron

Bronco Guru

Joined

Jul 21, 2005

Messages

1,032

• Oct 17, 2020

• #1

SLOWLY rebuilding the 302 in the '72 after the clutch disaster, and came up with a question that I can't find an answer to. Is there any real reason not to install the cam in the bare block first? i.e. before the crank and rotating assembly? It would make installing the cam carefully a lot easier if the crank wasn't in the way.
Greg

 

B RON CO

Contributor

Bronco Guru

Joined

Jun 29, 2016

Messages

2,414

Loc.

Statesville, NC

• Oct 17, 2020

• #2

Hi, you can put the cam in first if you want. No problem. What many guys do is screw a long bolt into the cam to use as a handle to help guide the cam. Good luck

 

Madgyver

Bronco Madman

Joined

Jul 30, 2001

Messages

14,695

• Oct 17, 2020

• #3

3/8" all thread rod about 12" long will help with a cam install regardless if the crank is in there or not.

 

OP

OP

oldiron

Bronco Guru

Joined

Jul 21, 2005

Messages

1,032

• Oct 18, 2020

• #4

I actually have a cam install handle. Every engine I've ever built, I've installed the crank first. I started asking why we always do the crank first and got no really solid answer other than " thats just the way we do it". One older machinist told me that it kept him from rotating the engine on the stand more than was absolutely necessary. i.e. finish the bottom, rotate it, then finish the top.
Greg

 

E

EricLar80

Bronco Guru

Joined

Jun 14, 2001

Messages

2,170

• Oct 18, 2020

• #5

If you use a handle (long bolt), use assembly lube, and install carefully, you really don’t have to worry about damaging anything.

 

sanndmann3

Bronco Guru

Joined

Jun 13, 2007

Messages

1,774

• Oct 18, 2020

• #6

I stood the block up with bell housing end down and lowered the cam carefully in.

 

73azbronco

Contributor

Bronco Guru

Joined

Nov 11, 2007

Messages

7,805

• Oct 18, 2020

• #7

I always did this^^^^ and installed before crank on engine stand.

 

ared77

Contributor

Bronco Guru

Joined

Apr 21, 2013

Messages

2,806

• Oct 18, 2020

• #8

Now that's a good idea! Much better way to drop the cam in rather than trying to hold it vertical and not nick cam bearings. Thanks for the tip.

 

blubuckaroo

Grease Monkey

Joined

Jun 11, 2007

Messages

11,795

Loc.

Ridgefield WA

• Oct 18, 2020

• #9

ared77 said:

Now that's a good idea! Much better way to drop the cam in rather than trying to hold it vertical and not nick cam bearings. Thanks for the tip.

Click to expand...

I learned this method from an engine builder. Building an engine "on end" is lots easier on your back. They told me, engine stands are for amateurs. I have one, but find the bench easier.

 

73azbronco

Contributor

Bronco Guru

Joined

Nov 11, 2007

Messages

7,805

• Oct 18, 2020

• #10

Engine stands are where you store the engine... Or on an old tire