Author Topic: cam bolt torque  (Read 3002 times)

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MHarvey

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cam bolt torque
« on: October 26, 2018, 01:53:03 AM »
I am installing a new cam on a 428 CJ....and do not see a torque for the cam bolt...I see intake, rockers, but not cam bolt...please assist...

Rory428

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Re: cam bolt torque
« Reply #1 on: October 26, 2018, 02:17:34 AM »
On a cast iron cam,using a factory Ford cam bolt, eccentric and washer, I normally go 45 ft/lbs, with a good coating of Loctite on the threads.
1978 Fairmont,FE 427 with 428 crank, 4 speed Jerico best of 9.972@132.54MPH 1.29 60 foot
1985 Mustang HB 331 SB Ford, 4 speed Jerico, best of 10.29@128 MPH 1.40 60 foot.
1974 F350 race car hauler 390 NP435 4 speed
1959 Ford Meteor 2 dr sedan. 428 Cobra Jet, 4 speed Toploader. 12.54@ 108 MPH

blykins

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Re: cam bolt torque
« Reply #2 on: October 26, 2018, 07:24:22 AM »
If it's a hydraulic roller or solid roller camshaft with a steel core, I go 65 with Loctite.
Brent Lykins
Lykins Motorsports
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HarleyJack17

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Re: cam bolt torque
« Reply #3 on: October 26, 2018, 02:44:11 PM »
DO NOT FORGET THE LOCTITE! x2

Also, if a billet core make certain the threads match the bolt you have. Some have seen a different thread.
« Last Edit: October 26, 2018, 02:46:04 PM by HarleyJack17 »

blykins

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Re: cam bolt torque
« Reply #4 on: October 26, 2018, 05:18:30 PM »
DO NOT FORGET THE LOCTITE! x2

Also, if a billet core make certain the threads match the bolt you have. Some have seen a different thread.

Amen on both counts.  It seems like the thread pitch will vary from camshaft to camshaft too.  Sometimes it's a 7/16-14 and sometimes it's a 7/16-20.

I'll add to that and say always check thread depth.  Between all the different timing sets, camshaft cores, fuel pump eccentrics, etc., a regular FE camshaft bolt length may not always be sufficient. 
Brent Lykins
Lykins Motorsports
Custom FE Street, Drag Race, Road Race, and Pulling Truck Engines
Custom Roller & Flat Tappet Camshafts
www.lykinsmotorsports.com
brent@lykinsmotorsports.com
www.customfordcams.com
502-759-1431
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afret

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Re: cam bolt torque
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2018, 07:26:56 PM »
With a steel cam and an ARP pro series cap screw, I take it to 80 ft-lbs for the clamping force with single pin.

MHarvey

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Re: cam bolt torque
« Reply #6 on: October 28, 2018, 02:14:29 PM »
thanks...there are two cam brackets bolt...they are phillips heads...what is the torgue on those and should I replace with bolt heads....??

blykins

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Re: cam bolt torque
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2018, 06:01:35 PM »
I use hex head bolts on those.  You'll need a 7/16-14 bolt, that's about 5/8" long.  I torque them to 55 lb-ft with Loctite. 
Brent Lykins
Lykins Motorsports
Custom FE Street, Drag Race, Road Race, and Pulling Truck Engines
Custom Roller & Flat Tappet Camshafts
www.lykinsmotorsports.com
brent@lykinsmotorsports.com
www.customfordcams.com
502-759-1431
Instagram:  brentlykinsmotorsports
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cjshaker

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Re: cam bolt torque
« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2018, 08:18:33 PM »
Nobody mentioned what type of Loctite to use. I don't know which type the other guys use, but I use the red. I'd rather be safe and have to use a bit of heat to remove it, than take a chance of it loosening from vibrations.
Doug Smith


'69 R-code Mach 1, 427 MR, 2x4, Jerico, 4.30 Locker
'70 F-350 390
'55 Ford Customline 2dr
'37 Ford Coupe

Falcon67

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Re: cam bolt torque
« Reply #9 on: October 29, 2018, 11:30:09 AM »
I use blue, especially on the bitty bolts.  Haven't had any issues using blue.

blykins

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Re: cam bolt torque
« Reply #10 on: October 29, 2018, 11:44:04 AM »
I'm a blue guy. 

When a fastener is torqued with correct thread engagement, thread-locker is just a bonus. 

With that being said, I absolutely have no qualms towards anyone who wants to use red.  This just comes down to a matter of preference, how you've been doing things for years, and what makes you feel comfortable.  Red on a 1/4" fastener may give you some trouble coming out, but it probably wouldn't bother you on something like a 7/16" fastener for an FE camshaft thrust plate. 
« Last Edit: October 29, 2018, 01:47:28 PM by blykins »
Brent Lykins
Lykins Motorsports
Custom FE Street, Drag Race, Road Race, and Pulling Truck Engines
Custom Roller & Flat Tappet Camshafts
www.lykinsmotorsports.com
brent@lykinsmotorsports.com
www.customfordcams.com
502-759-1431
Instagram:  brentlykinsmotorsports
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cjshaker

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Re: cam bolt torque
« Reply #11 on: October 29, 2018, 02:01:12 PM »
I'm a blue guy. 

When a fastener is torqued with correct thread engagement, thread-locker is just a precaution. 

With that being said, I absolutely have no qualms towards anyone who wants to use red. 

I knew yous'd be lookin fer a fight ;)
I always have used the stock phillips head screws, and they're not so easy to torque, at least with my torque wrench and screw bits. Red made me feel safe about it, and a bit of heat in that area to remove it wasn't much of a deal. Since I never really heard what others used, I'll probably just switch to blue now.
Doug Smith


'69 R-code Mach 1, 427 MR, 2x4, Jerico, 4.30 Locker
'70 F-350 390
'55 Ford Customline 2dr
'37 Ford Coupe

blykins

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Re: cam bolt torque
« Reply #12 on: October 29, 2018, 02:12:41 PM »
I don't blame you for using it on the phillips head screws.  I switched to hex head bolts a long time ago for that reason.   If you switch, you just gotta watch out that you don't get them too long as it will block off the feed for the distributor shaft. 
Brent Lykins
Lykins Motorsports
Custom FE Street, Drag Race, Road Race, and Pulling Truck Engines
Custom Roller & Flat Tappet Camshafts
www.lykinsmotorsports.com
brent@lykinsmotorsports.com
www.customfordcams.com
502-759-1431
Instagram:  brentlykinsmotorsports
YouTube:  Lykins Motorsports