Removal & Installation: Camshaft: Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Firebird and 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Clean the components in solvent. Dry the components with compressed air. Inspect the camshaft bearing journals for scoring or excessive wear. Inspect the camshaft valve lifter lobes for scoring or excessive wear. See Figure.
- Inspect the threaded bolt holes in the front of the camshaft for damaged threads or debris. Inspect the camshaft sprocket pin for damage. Inspect the camshaft position reluctor ring for nicks or damage.
- Inspect the camshaft retainer plate for wear or a damaged sealing gasket. If the camshaft retainer plate sealing gasket is not cut or damaged, it may be reused.
- Inspect the camshaft bearings for proper fit in the engine block. The camshaft bearings have an interference fit to the engine block and should not be loose in their engine block bearing bores. Inspect the camshaft bearings for excessive wear or scoring. Bearings with excessive scoring or wear must be replaced.
- Measure the camshaft journals for wear and out-of-round with a micrometer. See CAMSHAFT SPECIFICATIONS table. Measure the camshaft lobes for wear with a micrometer.
- Measure the camshaft runout. Mount the camshaft in wooden V-blocks or between centers on a fixture. Check the runout of the intermediate camshaft bearing journals using the Magnetic Base Dial Indicator Set (J-7872).
- Measure camshaft lobe lift using Camshaft Lobe Lift Indicator (J-8520). Remove the valve rocker arms and bolts. See Fig 1. Install the dial indicator mounting stud into the valve rocker arm bolt hole.
- Assemble the components of the cam lobe lift indicator and position onto the stud. See Fig 2. Position the shaft of the dial indicator onto the end of the pushrod. Rotate the face of the dial indicator to zero.
- Slowly rotate the crankshaft clockwise until the dial indicator obtains its highest and lowest readings. Compare the total lift shown to specifications. See CAMSHAFT SPECIFICATIONS table. Remove the camshaft lobe lift indicator tool.
- Compare measurements to specifications. If the readings are not within specifications, remove the camshaft. Inspect and/or replace components as required.