Camshafts are an essential component of an engine, responsible for opening and closing the engine’s valves. Installing new camshafts can improve engine performance and power, making it an attractive upgrade for car enthusiasts. However, installing camshafts is a technical process that requires precision and expertise. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to install camshafts properly.

Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

Before beginning the installation process, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s a list of tools and materials you’ll need to install camshafts:

Tools

• Socket wrench set
• Torque wrench
• Camshaft locking tools
• Feeler gauges
• Pry bar
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Timing light
• Engine assembly lube

Materials

• New camshafts
• New camshaft bearings
• New camshaft bolts
• New gaskets
• RTV silicone sealant
• Engine oil

It’s essential to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and materials before beginning the installation process. This will help prevent any delays or interruptions during the installation process, ensuring a smooth and efficient installation process.

Before installing new camshafts, it’s essential to prepare the engine for the installation process. Here are the steps you need to follow to prepare the engine for installing new camshafts:

Remove Necessary Parts for Access to Camshafts

The first step in preparing the engine for camshaft installation is to remove any necessary parts that obstruct the camshaft’s access. Depending on the engine’s make and model, this may include the valve covers, rocker arms, pushrods, and timing chain cover.

It’s essential to keep track of the removed parts and their position to ensure they’re reinstalled correctly during the reassembly process.

Inspect and Clean Camshaft Area

After removing the necessary parts, inspect the camshaft area for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, it’s crucial to address them before proceeding with the installation process.

Clean the camshaft area thoroughly, removing any debris, dirt, or grime. You can use a degreaser or engine cleaner to clean the camshaft area.

Remove Old Camshafts

The next step is to remove the old camshafts from the engine. You’ll need to loosen the camshaft bolts using a socket wrench and remove them. Once the bolts are removed, you can gently remove the camshafts from the engine.

It’s crucial to keep the old camshafts in a safe place, as you may need to reference them during the reassembly process.

Preparation (Continued)

Inspect and Clean Camshaft Area

After removing the necessary parts, inspect the camshaft area for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, it’s crucial to address them before proceeding with the installation process.

Clean the camshaft area thoroughly, removing any debris, dirt, or grime. You can use a degreaser or engine cleaner to clean the camshaft area.

Remove Old Camshafts

The next step is to remove the old camshafts from the engine. You’ll need to loosen the camshaft bolts using a socket wrench and remove them. Once the bolts are removed, you can gently remove the camshafts from the engine.

It’s crucial to keep the old camshafts in a safe place, as you may need to reference them during the reassembly process.

Install New Camshafts

After removing the old camshafts, it’s time to install the new camshafts. Here are the steps you need to follow to install new camshafts:

Properly Position New Camshafts

The first step in installing new camshafts is to properly position them in the engine. You’ll need to refer to the engine’s service manual to determine the proper camshaft position.

Once you’ve determined the proper camshaft position, you can gently place the new camshafts in the engine. Make sure that the camshaft lobes are correctly positioned, and the camshaft timing marks align with the engine’s timing marks.

Install New Camshaft Bearings

Next, you’ll need to install the new camshaft bearings. Apply a small amount of engine assembly lube to the new camshaft bearings and gently slide them onto the camshaft.

Make sure that the camshaft bearings are properly aligned and seated in the engine block. You can use a camshaft bearing installation tool to ensure that the bearings are properly seated.

Install New Camshaft Bolts

The final step in installing new camshafts is to install the new camshaft bolts. Apply a small amount of engine oil to the camshaft bolts and tighten them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications using a torque wrench.

It’s essential to torque the camshaft bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications to ensure that they’re properly secured in the engine.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed new camshafts in your engine. In the next section, we’ll discuss how to reassemble the engine and test and adjust it.

Reassemble Engine

After installing the new camshafts, it’s time to reassemble the engine. Here are the steps you need to follow to reassemble the engine after installing the new camshafts:

Reinstall Removed Parts

The first step in reassembling the engine is to reinstall the parts that were removed during the preparation process. You’ll need to refer to your notes or pictures to ensure that the parts are reinstalled correctly.

Make sure to apply RTV silicone sealant to any areas that require it, such as the timing chain cover or valve cover gasket. Use a torque wrench to tighten any bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification.

Check and Adjust Valve Clearance

After reinstalling the parts, it’s crucial to check and adjust the valve clearance. Valve clearance is the gap between the valve stem and rocker arm when the valve is fully closed.

Using a feeler gauge, check the valve clearance and adjust it if necessary. Improper valve clearance can lead to engine damage, so it’s essential to ensure that it’s adjusted correctly.

Check and Adjust Timing

The final step in reassembling the engine is to check and adjust the timing. Timing refers to the relationship between the position of the camshaft and the crankshaft.

Use a timing light to check the timing and adjust it if necessary. Improper timing can lead to poor engine performance and damage, so it’s crucial to ensure that it’s adjusted correctly.

Test and Adjust

After reassembling the engine, it’s time to test it and adjust it as necessary. Here are the steps you need to follow to test and adjust the engine after installing new camshafts:

Start Engine and Check for Proper Function

Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. Check the engine’s oil pressure and ensure that it’s within the manufacturer’s recommended range.

Take the car for a test drive and ensure that there are no issues with performance or power. If you notice any issues, stop the car immediately and address them before continuing to drive.

Adjust as Necessary

If you notice any issues during the test drive, you’ll need to address them by adjusting the engine. This may include adjusting the valve clearance or timing, or addressing any other issues that arise.

It’s crucial to address any issues promptly to prevent further damage to the engine.

Conclusion

Installing new camshafts can improve engine performance and power, but it’s a technical process that requires precision and expertise. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that you install camshafts correctly and avoid any issues that may arise.

Remember to take your time, double-check your work, and seek assistance if necessary. With the right tools and materials, as well as a little patience, you can install new camshafts and enjoy improved engine performance.