Has anyone here installed cam bearings at home without an actual proper cam bearing installer? I thought by fabricating a type of tool (kinda like 2 big washes on a threaded rod and a nut on each end) that would press the bearing into place maybe I could do it myself, I have already paid for a set of bearings and install by the local machine shop and it didn't end up well, so I'd like to do it myself this time.
I did just what you described using threaded rod and washers, although I am fortunate to have a lathe that I used to make stepped washers that indexed to the bearings. This was on a flathead Ford V8; worked out well for me. If you are careful you should be able to use plain washers with no problem.
thanks Bill, I'm going to use a hole saw slightly larger in diameter than the bearings to cut the washers out of 1/4" aluminum, the whole will already be there for the threaded rod from the whole saw. Lots of room on the dodge flathead to work with, now just have to wait for the new bearings to arrive.
Put the bearings in the freezer over night, when they contract they will be easier to get in place, may not even need the home made press.
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