Hot Rods Cam Bearing Installation

I had to replace the cam bearings in a flat head (8BA) engine I'm rebuilding because the machine shop did not install them correctly. The cam would be very tight when I would put it in and almost lock up. I have the correct tool for this job and now the cam spins smoothly and freely with the new bearings. However, how far does the rear bearing need to go in, or not go in? I have attached a picture of the installed bearing and it does not stick out the back where it will get caught on the oil pump gear drive and the oil hole is not covered, but the cam isn't fully supported by the bearing on the inside of the motor. A portion of the cam bearing area in outside the bearing. Is this acceptable?

 

I’ve never attempted cam bearings, but do the oil holes line up?

 

Yes, the oil holes did line up.

 

Good deal. I’ll now defer to those that know. I’ve a SBC on the stand that has new bearings in it, if it stays dry I’ll unbag it and take a look in a bit. Need to swap the desiccant bags anyways.

 

I just took a look a my 8ba and the cam bearing sticks out about a 1/4 inch past the casting (as been there since 1950). Looks like yours needs to go a little more.

 

If you haven’t checked the bearing clearance or at least the journal of the cam to make sure it’s the stock size I would recommend it. Depending on what cam you have some of the older stuff could be a regrind and the bearing journals were cut undersized. If you put in stock bearings the cam will spin real nice.

 

The thrust plate on the front of the cam should put the cam in the proper position when installed. Cam thrust is to the rear on the 8BA and to the front on the 59 series engines. Check the oil pump drive gear in relation to the cam. That could give you a hint. Also check the centering of the fuel pump push rod, another reference point. Stick a lifter or two in the block to see how the cam lobe sits in relation to the lifter. How do the other bearing depths sit? I doubt you will be able to tell much until the thrust is determined.
This is as much as I can tell you without looking at some reference materials. If I'm wrong, I'm also old, so there you go........