Cam bearing install

[Leatherneck]

Installing new cam bearings, when sitting in the saddle I have a slight edge sticking up on the sides. Should I remove and sand down till flush with the case half or install as is? I put the old ones in and they to have a slight edge sticking up, not that it means it was correct when installed. Any and all advice is appreciated.

[Marc]

There's supposed to be some "crush" designed in so what you're seeing is most likely normal. If you mated the halves with no bearing shells installed and could see daylight at the parting line, that would indicate that the bearings stand proud because the case is hammered - since I trust that's not the "case", odds are that you're fine.

[Leatherneck]

Thank you sir, and thank you for your time and effort here in Shoptalkforums.

[Marc]

Thanks, I try to contribute where I can. IIRC correctly the "crush factor" is approximately .003" O.D., in some sober moment I may do the math to calculate just how much bearing shell projection you should anticipate seeing...cam bearing clearance is the least-critical of all (heck, until mid`65 VW didn't even bother with them) which is why I was a bit flippant above. When you're dealing with a hammered-to-hell H5/B5 case this is a serious concern, but otherwise (provided the case webs aren't fretted away) it's usually a pretty safe bet to slap it together. You could bolt the case halves together with only the cam & bearings installed, and once torqued to spec twirl the cam with a screwdriver (it should spin pretty freely)...shiny spots on the bearings will indicate any clearance problems that need attention.