GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 7872 Magnetic Base Dial Indicator Set
    • J 8520 Camshaft Lobe Lift Indicator

    Object Number: 188095  Size: SH
  1. Clean the components in solvent.
  2. Caution: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.

  3. Dry the components with compressed air.
  4. Inspect the camshaft bearing journals (1) for scoring or excessive wear.
  5. Inspect the camshaft valve lifter lobes (2) for scoring or excessive wear.
  6. Inspect the threaded bolt holes (3) in the front of the camshaft for damaged threads or debris.
  7. Inspect the camshaft sprocket pin (4) for damage.
  8. Inspect the camshaft position reluctor ring for nicks or damage.

  9. Object Number: 63211  Size: SH
  10. Inspect the camshaft retainer plate for wear or a damaged sealing gasket.
  11. If the camshaft retainer plate sealing gasket is not cut or damaged, it may be used again.


    Object Number: 63163  Size: SH
  12. Inspect the camshaft bearings for the following:
  13. • Excessive wear or scoring. The presence of the copper color bearing material should be considered normal and not a guideline for bearing replacement. Measure the bearing inside diameter (ID) as required for an over-sized condition. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications.
    • Proper fit in the engine block. Camshaft bearings have an interference fit to the engine block and should not be loose in the engine block bearing bores.
    • Oil lubrication hole plugged by debris.
    • Bearings with excessive wear or scoring must be replaced.

    Object Number: 35212  Size: SH
  14. Measure the camshaft journals for wear and out-of-round with a micrometer.
  15. • If the camshaft bearing journals are more than 0.025 mm (0.001 in) out-of-round, replace the camshaft.
    • If the camshaft bearing journal diameter is less that 54.99 mm (2.164 in), replace the camshaft.

    Object Number: 260130  Size: SH
  16. Measure the camshaft lobes for wear with a micrometer.
  17. • A 4.8/5.3L camshaft with an intake lobe that measures 46.169 mm (1.817 in) or less must be replaced.
    • A 4.8/5.3L camshaft with an exhaust lobe that measures 46.199 mm (1.818 in) or less must be replaced.
    • A 6.0L camshaft with an intake lobe that measures 46.31 mm (1.823 in) or less must be replaced.
    • A 6.0L camshaft with an exhaust lobe that measures 46.48 mm (1.83 in) or less must be replaced.

    Object Number: 64297  Size: SH
  18. Measure the camshaft runout.
  19. 12.1. Mount the camshaft in wooden V blocks or between centers on a fixture.
    12.2. Check the runout of the intermediate camshaft bearing journals using the J 7872 .
    12.3. If camshaft runout exceeds 0.05 mm (0.002 in), the camshaft is bent and should be replaced.

Measuring Camshaft Lobe Lift


    Object Number: 64967  Size: MH

    Important: Measuring camshaft lobe lift is a procedure used to determine if the camshaft lobes have worn. This test is to be performed prior to engine disassembly and with the camshaft and valve train components installed in the engine.

  1. Measure camshaft lobe lift using J 8520 .
  2. Remove the valve rocker arms and bolts
  3. Install the dial indicator mounting stud into the valve rocker arm bolt hole.
  4. Assemble the components of the J 8520 and position onto the stud.
  5. Position the shaft of the dial indicator onto the end of the pushrod.
  6. Rotate the face of the dial indicator to zero.
  7. Slowly rotate the crankshaft clockwise until the dial indicator obtains its highest and lowest readings.
  8. Compare the total lift shown to specifications:
  9. • The proper lobe lift for 4.8/5.3L intake lobes is 6.82 mm (0.268 in).
    • The proper lobe lift for 4.8/5.3L exhaust lobes is 6.96 mm (0.274 in).
    • The proper lobe lift for 6.0L intake lobes is 6.96 mm (0.274 in).
    • The proper lobe lift for 6.0L exhaust lobes is 7.13 mm (0.281 in).