Ok fellas, started my cam install last night and everything was going good, I removed the cam plate installed my 255 cams, pulled the front inner cam bearing and reinstalled it with LETTERS out, (using Gary Beattys removal Nd installation tool) then moved on to the rear bearing, while I was cleaning and prepping for install I put the bearing into a capful of amsoil and left it for a few, i then grabbed the bearing out and was in the process of xfering it to the install tool when it slipped out of my hand and hit the floor, I picked it up And inspected it and recleaned it then went and installed it, from there I grabbed the cam plate and installed that as well, as I was getting ready to torque down the oil pump bolts, I realized that I forgot to check to see if the lettering was facing out on the rear cylinder, so I pull the cam plate again and sure enough I had installed it backwards! Damn! Well I look at my 90 dollar bearing tool and tell myself that's what it's made for and proceed to pull the bearing, clean it, lube it and inspect it (everything looks good) so I went ahead and reinstalled the bearing with letter side out. Do ya think I should replace this brand new bearing? Or should it be ok?

 

you did nothing different then any shop would have done in fact most shops would of left it in backwards, i would not be afraid to leave it alone and ride it.

 

You should be fine..That said you probably would have been OK as the 96's cam bearings aren't quite bottomed out anyway.They CAN be but the spec is from the outside of the bearing.If it was clean and turned like it should you will be OK.


Mark

 

Hi Shane. I'm not an expert at all. I was a CAT mechanic for years so I have worked with bearings a lot. I would say that you'll be fine with a visual inspection of the bearing. If it looks fine, it probably is.

However, what will it take to put your mind at ease? A new bearing. If you can get one at a local bearing house, then do that and you won't have that nagging feeling in the back of your mind. Even if you have to order one, it's raining like hell here in Washington so you're not missing any good riding. LOL

Just my 2 cents.

BTW, I sold those 255 cams to forum member immediately.

Steve
(in Longview)

 

Thanks guys for the quick response! yeah like I said it looks good and seems to operate good I'll just go with it!