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Cam walk

Posted: September 7th, 2024, 11:08 am
by Jeepking1995
4.6 stroker with a lot of preformance parts, Have a 98 block and the cam is walking enough that is squeezed out the cam bearings, apparently I can't put in a thrust plate on a newer style 4.0, and the this is the second time this had happened so I want to fix it, I don't want to use the spring and pin bolt again, I heard of putting a solid pin or delrin pin in the bolt with no spring, what is everyones experience with this, also the cam bolt washer got squished from all the movement so I need a new but can't find one anywhere does anybody know where I could get one

Re: Cam walk

Posted: September 8th, 2024, 12:03 am
by dwg86
Take the rear cam plug out of the engine. Install the cam with the cam gear, bolt and washer minus the pin and spring. Install the timing chain cover with a new gasket. Push the cam as far back as it will go in the block. Put the dial indicator on back of the cam and set it to zero. push the cam forward until the bolt hits the timing cover. this will give a good starting point of how far out the cam pin will stick out from the cam bolt. Use a vernier caliper to measure how deep the hole is in the bolt. Add these 2 measurements together. This will give you an approximate length of your pin. You can go to the hardware store and buy a long bolt to make your pin. Just cut the head and threads off. Now put the dial indicator on back of the cam and grind the pin down until you get .005-.010 camshaft end play. Grind the pin with a slight crown where it hits the timing cover. Nothing crazy, just a few thousands. You can pit the pin in a drill and take a little off at a time.
You should be able to buy a new bolt and washer off the internet. Just do a search for 1998 jeep 4.0 camshaft bolt. Or go to your local junkyard or Ebay search.
Make sure your valve springs have enough travel for your cam lift. If your running stock springs, I think they are only good to like .450-.460 lift with a .060 safety margin.

Re: Cam walk

Posted: September 8th, 2024, 12:09 am
by dwg86
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.ph ... Qc%2Bgk%3D

Rockauto 1998 jeep 4.0 camshaft hardware kit

Re: Cam walk

Posted: September 8th, 2024, 6:19 am
by amcinstaller
I posted similar in performance section. Thanks dwg, Search function was saying drill rod but i was wondering if a simple bolt would do

Re: Cam walk

Posted: September 8th, 2024, 2:06 pm
by dwg86
I used a bolt. It just going to be slightly bumping up against aluminum. So you don’t need anything super hard. If you’re worried about the pin putting a hole in the timing chain cover…don’t. The spring and pin puts more pressure on the timing cover than just a plain pin.