Installing a Camshaft
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 1999
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Installing a Camshaft
Im thinking of installing a new camshaft in my 1978 400 engine. Ive never installed one before. Do you have to take the engine out to change it? How long does it usually take?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Iowa
Installing a Camshaft
I've replaced the cam in my '70 F100 390 while the motor was in the truck, but the radiator was out. If you are blessed with functional AC, then pull the motor out, rather than trying to get the AC condensor out of the way. It took my about three or four hours, I think.
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Installing a Camshaft
Gerald:
A flat rate manual I have estimates the removal and replacement of the camshaft in your 400 at 7.5 hours. The manual states that it includes R&I of Oil Pan, Lifters and carbon removal with the cylinder heads removed. While it probably can take much longer or be completed much sooner this probably represents a good average for someone proficient with tools and knowledgeable about motors.
A word of caution: you should check your cam bearings while you are in there and make sure you always install new lifters on a new cam. Be sure to use plenty of lubrication designed for cam break-in when you re-assembly.
I hope this helps.
Stock Man
1967 Galaxie 500 Convertible (HELP!---I need 15 x5 factory rims)
1967 F-250 FE 390 4wd
1966 F-250 I6 240 2wd LWB Flare Side
<a href="http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee">http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee</a>
A flat rate manual I have estimates the removal and replacement of the camshaft in your 400 at 7.5 hours. The manual states that it includes R&I of Oil Pan, Lifters and carbon removal with the cylinder heads removed. While it probably can take much longer or be completed much sooner this probably represents a good average for someone proficient with tools and knowledgeable about motors.
A word of caution: you should check your cam bearings while you are in there and make sure you always install new lifters on a new cam. Be sure to use plenty of lubrication designed for cam break-in when you re-assembly.
I hope this helps.
Stock Man
1967 Galaxie 500 Convertible (HELP!---I need 15 x5 factory rims)
1967 F-250 FE 390 4wd
1966 F-250 I6 240 2wd LWB Flare Side
<a href="http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee">http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee</a>
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
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Installing a Camshaft
Mike:
While you're at it, are you going to convert to a roller cam from Crane or Comp. Cams? The improved "breathing" of a roller will really wake-up your 400. You can buy a complete kit: cam, lifters, valve springs and retainers. Replace the oil seals under the valve springs while you are in there.
Have fun!!!
Bruce
While you're at it, are you going to convert to a roller cam from Crane or Comp. Cams? The improved "breathing" of a roller will really wake-up your 400. You can buy a complete kit: cam, lifters, valve springs and retainers. Replace the oil seals under the valve springs while you are in there.
Have fun!!!
Bruce
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Installing a Camshaft
Mike,
if your 400 was like mine, (low oil pressure) when you have the front of the engine apart. get an engine lift and raise your motor off the mounts, pull your oil pan and check your oil pump pick up. i changed my main and rod bearings and oil pump with the engine in place. i checked the journals and they looked good and the bearings where worn but it was even and no gouges or nicks. i also changed my timing chain, front and rear seals while i was at it. the results are my engine has great oil pressure and hopefully last another 100k.
dads77 f250 custom 2wd
if your 400 was like mine, (low oil pressure) when you have the front of the engine apart. get an engine lift and raise your motor off the mounts, pull your oil pan and check your oil pump pick up. i changed my main and rod bearings and oil pump with the engine in place. i checked the journals and they looked good and the bearings where worn but it was even and no gouges or nicks. i also changed my timing chain, front and rear seals while i was at it. the results are my engine has great oil pressure and hopefully last another 100k.
dads77 f250 custom 2wd
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