Camshaft replacement

[Sylvester]

I have decided to fit a new camshaft (seibenrock) to go with all the other engine stuff I've had done. At the risk of looking dumb (!) I have the front cover off etc and have backed off the tappets but the cam is still stuck fast. I will try to pull out the cam followers completely (not sure how as a magnet does not seem to totally withdraw them up the pushrod tubes) but surely it should budge without the use of excessive violence? I have been told I have to take the gearbox/clutch oil pump off to locate the woodruff key in the oil pump, but as mine does not appear to have one? Will I be able to pull it out the front and replace it without pulling everything apart again? Will I get better access to stuff if I take the sump off?

 

[Rob Farmer]

It depends on the bike but on any later airhead the cam can simply be pulled from the front. Is it your cam bearing that's stuck?

 

[Sylvester]

I'm guessing it must be the bearing. I can't think of anything else. I will try a bit of heat tonight. I tried to buy a hot air gun this week but none available from the usual sources. I don't like to use flame throwers in the garage!!!! Then I have the fun of getting the sprocket off the cam. I bought a new puller in its honour.

 

[solidstate100]

The followers wont fit up the pushrod tubes - to big an OD. A slight concern - can the followers drop out into the sump when the cam is removed, not sure how you are going to retain them out of the way as you slip re the cam out/in?

Personally I think I would do this with the head/barrels off so I could pull the followers and inspect them before running them on a new cam........they could be worn/damaged and would goose your new cam soon enough.

And have you undoen the lockbolts on the front bearing?



Edit Mr Farmer beat me to that last one!

 

[Rob Farmer]

You have taken the two locking nuts out haven't you? You access them through the holes in the camshaft sprocket.

 

[Sylvester]

You have taken the two locking nuts out haven't you? You access them through the holes in the camshaft sprocket.

Yep everything is undone. I had the cam followers out less than 1000 Km ago when I rebuild the donk. The smart thing to do would have been to have put the cam in then! Of course "Smart" would also have got the camshaft out by now. I will have another go tomorrow.

 

[Sylvester]

Yep everything is undone. I had the cam followers out less than 1000 Km ago when I rebuild the donk. The smart thing to do would have been to have put the cam in then! Of course "Smart" would also have got the camshaft out by now. I will have another go tomorrow.

''Twas the cam support bearing as suggested by Rob. Once the sprocket was off I had a bugger of a job getting the bearing out. Various devious methods were employed including heat. It put up quite a fight.

 

[Rob Farmer]

They can be bastards to shift.

Glad you got it sorted