Cam bearing
 

Hi gang.. I've decided replace the cam bearings since the engine is apart. I noticed that the old front bearing closest to the timing cover has two semi circular notches 180° apart cut into the fwd edge.

Any ideas why?
Should I do the same to my new bearing?
Regards Kevin

Re: Cam bearing
 

Mabey to let more oil get to the cam flange?

Re: Cam bearing
 

maybe another who knows what was done. the only two hole bearing I can think of is the rear, the extra hole is for the fuel pump push rod. Whether the front and rear measurements are the same I don't know been couple yrs since I did one. Question you popped out all cam bearings so you should have two now with these holes front and rear?
possible a rear was used in the front weird .....sam

Re: Cam bearing
 

Suggest you read post #1 again, it's not holes that are in question but "notches"

Re: Cam bearing
 

Notches are not normal.

Re: Cam bearing
 

If your new bearings have the notches, install the same as the ones removed (I would not install notches in the bearing)
As previously stated the notches were probably to provide oil to any thrust faces.
Have not seen any new bearings with the notches.

Re: Cam bearing
 

All three bearings have TWO holes, but the rear one must have one with the BIGGER hole up top - for the fuel pump pushrod.

If you didn't have two holes, you'd not have oil going to the main bearings. ;)

Re: Cam bearing
 

Kevin the two notch's were no doubt added to the front edge of the cam bearing by someone so additional oil would eventually get onto the cam thrust face of the block. There's no need to add them to the front bearing your using as a replacement. The new cam bearing has a certain amount of clearance so that oil coming out of the end will lubricate the block-cam thrust surface perfectly.
Ronnieroadster

Re: Cam bearing
 

I can see no reason that notches would have any value in the least. The cam bearing has about .002 clearance to the cam journal, do there is plenty of lubrication getting to the front thrust surface. Also, if it is earlier than 1949, then the front pressure relief system also throws oil onto the back of the timing gear. Plenty of oil in this area. I've never seen a cam that "burnt" on the thrust surface.

Re: Cam bearing
 

Thanks guys.. I've decided to not file the notches.. I'm sure the thrust face will get oil as suggested. Now to continue with the assembly.
I may be slow but boy am I rough.

Re: Cam bearing
 

True My brain wakes up around noontime hate gettin old.....

Re: Cam bearing
 

You're doing just fine my friend! We all have our good days and then the ones that we're not happy with. :D