DIY Network

Installing the New Camshaft From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-102

In this third segment host Kevin Tetz and our resident Harley-Davidson expert Bill "Dunk" Dunkelberger install the camshaft on the project 1965 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.

Dunk found a new washer (figure A -- on right), which looks much different than the old one, and new needle bearing with lettering on the side (figure B) for the camshaft installation. The bearing will be installed with the flat side out, which is the side that will receive the pressure.

Figure A

Figure B

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Installing the New Camshaft

• Dunk inserts the needle bearing and uses a socket wrench the same size or slightly smaller than the bearing and a mallet.

  Note: The bearing has a seat it reaches at the end, and you can take your finger and feel recessed (figure C) into the case it is.

• Now the new camshaft (figure D) can be installed and secured with the new washer. Dunks says not to be too concerned with the timing marks right now because the end play is being checked. This is just a test fit. You could have the new camshaft on and off a few times while testing. Once you get the end play right, then you'll pull it all apart and double-check all the timing marks. Then it will be ready to put the tappet blocks in.

• The gasket goes on (figure E) and the cover is checked to make sure it's flat.

  Note: Metal will change over time due to going from hot to cold and its age, which is why it's important to make sure the cover is flat. And do "not" put a gasket glue or RTV sealant on the gasket unless the cover is all marked and scratched to create a good seal. If the cover is in decent shape you don't need a sealant.

• For the "test" fit you'll only need to install four screws around the camshaft area.

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H

• The camshaft end play or looseness for our project 1965 Electra Glide should be approximately 1 to 5/1000th of an inch. This will provide bearing clearance and proper lubrication.

• Now the cover has to come back off in order to get the shims ready, and you may have to go back and forth before you get it right. Dunk decided for our project bike to go with a 50/1,000th shim. Once he found the correct shim or washer (figure F) for the end play, Dunk put it on -- the little one first and then the big one -- up against the case.

  Since you're putting it together for the final time be sure to use assembly glue. You don't want to put the assembly together dry due to the metal-to-metal aspect. You want the oil to be able to touch the parts.

• Now make sure everything is timed properly. Dunk checks to make sure he has a line and a dot, another line and a dot and finally a line and a line (figure G) for the proper alignment.

• Clean the gasket surface using brake cleaner, and then install the new gasket and put the gear-case cover back on (figure H). And it's always important to use Threadlocker on the final installation.

• Put the gear-case screws in and get them torqued to specificiations.

In the final segment of this episode Kevin and Dunk will install the tappet blocks, lifters and push rods.

RESOURCES :

The Eastwood Company

The Eastwood Company is a supplier of automotive-restoration parts, tools and supplies.

The Easthill Group, Inc.
The Eastwood Company
Website: www.eastwoodco.com

RaceDeck Modular Flooring (SnapLock Industries)
SnapLock Industries
Website: www.racedeck.com

Ultimate Harley-Davidson
0789499746
Hugo Wilson
(October, 2003)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Dorling Kindersley / DK Publishing

Hugo Wilson's Hot Bikes
0751336947
Hugo Wilson
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Penguin Books

The Harley-Davidson Century
0760311552
Darwin Holmstrom
(September, 2002)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Motorbooks International

Restoration Parts (Custom Chrome)
Custom Chrome
Website: www.customchrome.com

Performance Carburetor, Camshaft and Other Restoration Parts (S & S Cycle Inc.)
S & S Cycle Inc.
Website: www.sycycle.com

Ironclad Gloves

Manufacturers of work gloves for all types of work including automotive. Griptec™ Gloves with 3M gReptile™ gripping material.

Website: www.iclad.com

Motorcycle Restoration Parts (In the Wind Motorcycle Parts)
In Wind Motorcycle Parts
508 Lovell Rd.
Knoxville, TN 37932
Phone: 865-560-5650 or 865-777-0884
Fax: 865-777-0886

GUESTS :

William "Dunk" Dunkelberger
Restoration Coordinator / Mechanic
Harrly Hoggs & Piggletts
1409 Piney Rd.
Maryville, TN 37803
Phone: 865-681-7699
E-mail: hoggsandpiggletts@yahoo.com