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: 1950798  Size: SH
  1. Clean the components in solvent.
  2. Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

  3. Dry the components with compressed air.
  4. Inspect the camshaft bearing journals (1) for scoring or above acceptable wear.
  5. Inspect the camshaft valve lifter lobes (2) for scoring or above acceptable 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. Object Number: 1950799  Size: SH
  9. Inspect the camshaft retainer plate (2) for wear or a damaged sealing gasket (1).
  10. If the camshaft retainer plate sealing gasket (1) is not cut or damaged, it may be used again.


    Object Number: 1950807  Size: SH
  11. Inspect the camshaft bearings for correct fit in the engine block. Camshaft bearings have an interference fit to the engine block and should not be loose in their engine block bearing bores.
  12. Inspect the camshaft bearings for above acceptable wear or scoring.
  13. Bearings with above acceptable scoring or wear must be replaced.


    Object Number: 1950800  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: 1950801  Size: SH
  16. Using a micrometer, measure the camshaft lobes for wear. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .

  17. Object Number: 1950802  Size: SH
  18. Measure the camshaft runout.
  19. 12.1. Mount the camshaft in wooden V blocks or between centres on a fixture.
    12.2. Using the J 7872 , measure the runout of the intermediate camshaft bearing journals.
    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: 1950803  Size: SH

    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 to specifications. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications .