Camshaft Journal Wear

Check camshaft journals and camshaft housings for pitting, scratches, wear or damage.

If any malcondition is found, replace camshaft or cylinder head with housing. Never replace cylinder head without replacing housings.

Fig 1: Checking Camshaft Housings

Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

Check clearance by using gauging plastic. The procedure is as follows.

1. Clean housings and camshaft journals.
2. Make sure that all valve lash adjusters are removed and install camshaft to cylinder head.
3. Place a piece of gauging plastic the full width of journal of camshaft (parallel to camshaft).
4. Install camshaft housing.
5. Tighten camshaft housing bolts in such order ([A]: "1" -->"17", [B]: "1" -->"19") as shown in the figure a little at a time till they are tightened to specified torque.
   NOTE: Do not rotate camshaft while gauging plastic is installed.
   Fig 2: Identifying Camshaft Housing Bolts Torque Sequence

   Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
6. Remove housing, and using scale (2) on gauging plastic (1) envelop, measure gauging plastic (1) width at its widest point.

Camshaft journal clearance 

Standard:  0.020 - 0.074 mm (0.0008 - 0.0029 in.)

Limit:  0.12 mm (0.0047 in.)

Fig 3: Measuring Gauging Plastic

Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.

If measured camshaft journal clearance exceeds limit, measure journal (housing) bore and outside diameter of camshaft journal. Replace camshaft or cylinder head assembly whichever the difference from specification is greater.

Camshaft journal bore via. (IN and EX) 

Standard:  26.000 - 26.033 mm (1.0236 - 1.0249 in.)

Camshaft journal O.D. (IN and EX) 

Standard:  25.959 - 25.980 mm (1.0220 - 1.0228 in.)

Fig 4: Measuring Journal (Housing) Bore & Outside Diameter Of Camshaft Journal

Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.