Section 10 (Engine Mechanical (H4DOTC)): Camshaft: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Measure the bend, and repair or replace if necessary.
Camshaft bend limit:

0.020 mm (0.00079 in)

Fig 1: Measuring Camshaft Bending
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Check the journal for damage and wear. Replace if faulty.
Check the cutout portion used for camshaft sensor for damage. Replace if faulty.
Check the cam face condition, and remove the minor faults by grinding with oil stone. If offset wear occurs, replace it.
Measure the cam lobe height "H" and cam base circle diameter "A". If it exceeds the standard or offset wear occurs, replace it.
Cam lobe height H:

Standard

Intake

46.55 - 46.65 mm (1.833 - 1.837 in)

Exhaust

46.75 - 46.85 mm (1.841 - 1.844 in)

Cam base circle diameter A:

Standard

37.0 mm (1.457 in)

Fig 2: Identifying Cam Base Circle Diameter And Cam Lobe Height
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Measure the outside diameter of camshaft journal. If the journal diameter is not within specification, check the oil clearance.

	Camshaft journal
	Front	Center, rear
Standard mm (in)	37.946 - 37.963 (1.4939 - 1.4946)	29.946 - 29.963 (1.1790 - 1.1796)

Measure the oil clearance of camshaft journal.
1. Clean the camshaft cap and cylinder head camshaft journal.
2. Place the camshaft on cylinder head. (Without installing the valve lifter)
3. Place a plastigauge across each camshaft journals.
4. Gradually tighten the camshaft cap in at least two steps, in alphabetical order shown in the figure, and then tighten to the specified torque. Do not turn the camshaft.
  Tightening torque:
  
  T1: 9.75 N.m (1.0 kgf-m, 7.2 ft-lb)
  
  T2: 20 N.m (2.0 kgf-m, 14.8 ft-lb)
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Tightening Sequence Of Camshaft Cap Mounting Bolts
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
5. Remove the camshaft cap.
6. Measure the widest point of the plastigauge on each journal. If oil clearance exceeds the standard, replace the camshaft. If necessary, replace the camshaft caps and cylinder head as a set.
  Camshaft oil clearance:
  
  Standard
  
  0.037 - 0.072 mm (0.0015 - 0.0028 in)
  
  Fig 4: Measuring Widest Point Of Plastigauge
  Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
7. Completely remove the plastigauge.
Measure the thrust clearance with setting the dial gauge at end surface of camshaft. If the thrust clearance is not within the standard or there is offset wear, replace the camshaft caps and cylinder head as a set. If necessary replace the camshaft.
Camshaft thrust clearance:

Standard

0.068 - 0.116 mm (0.0027 - 0.0047 in)

Fig 5: Measuring Camshaft Thrust Clearance Using Dial Gauge
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.