New cam install
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2005
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New cam install
I just installed a new edelbrock performer RPM cam in my motor. its an 84 Ford F250 4x4. The old cam cam out stiffly. Stiffly meaning it didnt just slide out, it took alot of turning and pulling to get it to start sliding out past the retainer plate. the new cam went in flawlessly, until it got to the back then it was hard to rotate it in to the journal. only the very back journal. I coated the cam from front to back with the break in lube. My questions is should the cam rotate freely or with sum "stick" because its not broken in? It turns with a little effort but it "sticks" when u slow down to a slow turn. Is that normal cause the bearings havent seated? The cam is just in the block no lifters yet, no timing chain. Please help because its my first cam and I have no idea! thanks, matt
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,059
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From: Too close to Houston
I had the same problem putting a Comp Cams XE250H-14 in my '83 302. I didn't have a choice but to finish the build since I had to get it back on the road. It's running fine and the oil pressure is steady at 40psi at 2000rpm.
The last cam I did slipped out and the new one slipped in with no trouble. I'm not worried for now as I know I'll be putting a short block in somewhere down the road anyway. Just monitor your oil pressure and you should be fine.
The reason it only "sticks" when fully installed is that the bearings are progressively smaller from front to back. As you passed the first four journals through the bearings you had lots of clearance.
The last cam I did slipped out and the new one slipped in with no trouble. I'm not worried for now as I know I'll be putting a short block in somewhere down the road anyway. Just monitor your oil pressure and you should be fine.
The reason it only "sticks" when fully installed is that the bearings are progressively smaller from front to back. As you passed the first four journals through the bearings you had lots of clearance.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 526
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From: Spokane, WA
What you were feeling was the burned oil buildup on the cam bearings. The camshaft journals are usually not centered on the bearing and as such a "burned oil" buildup forms on the bearings where the cam doesn't ride. You are probably OK as long as the cam moves smoothly and fairly free.
Kenny
Kenny
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