How do I know if my cam bearings are worn? Symptoms?

[bondtimbond]

I have been trying to review books and other posts, but can't seem to find good troubleshooting data specifically on camshaft bearings. What symptoms usually point to those bearings?

I am likely going to swap out my camshaft, but I hate to put a new cam in on bad bearings. I don't know how to evaluate cam bearings. History of engine is somewhat unknown, but I do know the oil pressure is OK. Engine and car is a 327/300hp 67 C2. Is there a way to visually inspect the bearings when the shaft is out (engine in the car)? Are there audible symptoms that cam bearing typically generate?

Thanks!

 

[Jack]

Welcome aboard CAC. I don't know how to give a better answer but others will chime in and may know the answer ... your's is a very good question. Because of where the cam bearings are in the oil stream, I think it would be difficult to diagnose via pressure readings. Because most of them are way back in the block it'd be all but impossible to get a GOOD look at em while block in car. Noises are seldom a reliable confirmatory test for any part. If it were mine, I'd CAREFULLY pull the cam & if its journals looked good then the bearings are PROBABLY good as well ... cam bearings typically wear at about slowest rate of any internal part ... they usually last a LONG time. It's real easy to knick the cam bearings as you pull/push lobes through em ... you gotta be dead on straight with cam and have a real good grip on it.
JACK:gap

 

[JohnZ]

Ignoring damage done while installing/removing the cam (as Jack mentioned), cam bearings don't get much wear; they are the first bearings to get oil from the oil pump, and they're very lightly loaded compared to the mains and rods. If you're going to swap cams, buy or make a handle that screws into the front of the cam to control it better while removing/installing so the lobes don't scrape the bearings.

 

[redvett]

If your oil pressure drops real low at idle 5-600 rpms when engine is well warmed up after a 10-15 mile drive to heat the oil up. You have most likely have bad cam bearings.

 

[RonJ]

Worn cam bearings will cause low oil pressure, for sure!! Good thing they seldom show wear unless lubrication has been marginal.

When pulling or putting the camshaft back in, screw three 4" or 5" bolts in place of the cam gear capscrews, it gives you a bit more leverage to keep the camshaft level. Sooooooooooo easy to knick a bearing!!

Ron ...