<VV> Cam Clearance

[James Davis]

It is very tricky to do with Plastigage, but here goes.  First check the 
cam for straightness, even if it is new .  Trueness should be 0.002 or 
better.   Journal dia. are 1.4405-1.4395 for the front and 1.2005-1.1995 
for the rest.  Check the cam journal runout.  It should be less than 0.0010 
or trash the cam.  Cam journal clearances should be 0.0015 - 
0.0040.  Maximum wear is along the parting line so check the clearance as 
close to the line as possible.  For this reason, I always use a dial bore 
gauge.  If you don't own one, just bolt up the cases without the crank and 
cam and take it to any engine machine shop and they will measure it for 
you.  The cam journal clearances are usually the determining factor in oil 
pressure at idle.  I find if the clearance is much 0.003 you will have low 
oil pressure at idle.  You probably want to check the cam lift if you are 
reusing the cam.  Specs are 0.20926 for the intake and 0.22935 for the exhaust.
Jim Davis


At 08:58 AM 11/27/2004, James Dallas wrote:
>Could somebody look up what the cam clearance is supposed to be,  I am at 
>work and want to stop by the autoparts store on the way home for some 
>platigage.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Jim Dallas