Question on cam bearings and engine rebuild

Hi,

In previous posts I mentioned that I'm working on a rebuild of my '46 H engine. I want to get the block hot-tanked/cleaned, but am not ready with parts yet for installation. How difficult is it to install the Camshaft bearings yourself?

Having rebuilt Ford and Chevy engines in the past, I typically have the machine shop install new bearings for me. I don't have them yet though, but still want to get the block cleaned out. Should I just wait until I've got the bearings and have the shop do the work?

When the block is at the shop, will they remove the sleeves? Should I plan on new sleeves? I think a lot of overhaul kits come with new sleeves but the ones that are installed actually look to be in good shape.

thanks in advance,

--b
 
If he sleeves and pistons look good, why not just put new rings in and get the head reworked? Are you sure cam bearings need replaced? You can replace the rod and main bearings while engine is still in tractor. Of course it depends on how crank and pistons look. If you hot tank engine the cam bearings will have to be replaced and you might as well let shop put bearings in. If it was me if parts look good I would leave motor in, ring it. and get head done and put it back together. Why spend more than you have to. Good luck
 
If you hot tank the block you will remove the paint on the inside thats there so the cast doesentleave little fines in the oil. Thats why they were painted on the inside. You can still get that paint.
 
I agree, The oil holes must be aligned, the pucks used to push them in must be perfect and aligned with the bore, and the insert shells placed to the correct depth. Let them do it. Jim
 
Thanks for the advice. I want to get the block cleaned because of heavy sludge and blockage in the water jacket, and because I want to have it nice and clean for painting.

It is on a stand and 85% torn apart now... only the crank and pistons still left in the block. The cam doesn't look bad, though I've not mic'd it. No idea how the crank looks yet. Maybe I'll get to it this weekend.

Anyway, I suppose I'll just have to wait until I have all of the bearings, etc. before I take it in for cleaning.

Regarding the paint inside the block, do most people re-apply the paint after it has been removed during the cleaning process? How much of an issue will I have if I [u:bc82438375]don't[/u:bc82438375] paint the inside? This H will never work hard again... at least as long as I own it.

thanks as always,

--b[/u]
 
You can usually tell the shape of the cam from the face of the lifters, cam will be fine if lifters are convex. Always put the same lifter back in the same hole, I put mine in an egg carton and mark which hole they came out of. Boiling a block will destroy the cam bearings, the shop will knock them out before boiling, then install new ones after that.
 
Thanks for the advice. The lifters are pretty flat, don't look to be to worn, though the one that came out of the rear-most hole (#4 cylinder exhaust lifter I think?) has some scoring around the top... looks like some metal shavings or something got in there, as evidenced by my magnet picking up shavings.

Here's a picture of what I'm talking about (towards the top of the image)...

mvphoto23701.jpg


thanks,

--b
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top