Cam shaft installation

[gregstaples]

There must be a better way to install the cam shafts than pounding on the outer bearing races. The manual I have suggests this is the way to do it, but I have never had good luck hammering on bearings. The head is awkward, but I guess I could fixture it up in a press.<br /><br />The guy at the machine shop reccomended I put the head in the oven, pre heat it and then everything would just slip together. It seems reasonable, but it also seems like it could preload the bearings as the head cools and shrinks.<br /><br />Has anyone done this?

[prima5star]

The heat/cool deal is how you deal with Norton twin bottom ends. You won't preload the bearings if you get them in straight. I helped a friend who baked the case and froze the bearings, they just slipped together. <br /><br />I agree, hammering on bearings is counter intuitive.<br /><br />Matt

[gregstaples]

Set the oven on 200 F and let the head heat up, put oil on the bearing bores and the cam shaft assemblies slid right in by hand. Both side covers were installed. The cam was a little tight after the head cooled, but some light tapping on the races and everything seems cherry pie.<br /><br />Greg