1.7.2 Camshaft and Bearings
DETROIT DIESEL 53
b. Make an indentation in the center of the
camshaft end plug with a 31/64" drill (carboloy
tip).
c. Punch a hole as deeply as possible with a
center punch to aid in breaking through the
hardened surface of the plug.
d. Then, drill a hole straight through the center of
the plug with a 1/4" drill (carboloy tip).
e. Use the 1/4" drilled hole as a guide and redrill
the plug with a 5/16" drill (carboloy tip).
f. Tap the drilled hole with a 3/8"-16 tap.
g. Thread a 3/8"-i6 adaptor J 8183 into the plug.
Then, attach a slide hammer J 6471-1 to the
adaptor and remove the plug by striking the
Fig. 2. - Removing or Installing Thrust Washer
weight against the handle.
Retaining Bolts
h. Insert a length of 3/8" steel rod in the camshaft
oil gallery and drive the remaining plug out.
5. Remove the flywheel and the flywheel housing as
outlined in Sections 1.4 and 1.5.
NOTE: If a steel rod is not available,
remove the remaining plug as outlined in
6. Remove the bolts which secure the gear nut retainer
Steps "a" through "g".
plates (if used) to the gears, then remove the retainer
plates.
7. Wedge a clean rag between the gears as shown in
Fig. 1; then, remove the nuts from each end of both
shafts with a socket wrench.
8. Remove the balance weights from the front end of
the shafts as outlined in Section 1.7.
9. Remove
the
upper
engine
front
cover
(Section 1.7.8).
10. Remove the oil slinger from the front end of both
shafts.
11. Remove the two retaining bolts that secure the
camshaft
thrust washer to the cylinder block by
inserting a socket wrench through a hole in the web of
the gear as shown in Fig. 2.
12. Withdraw the shaft, thrust washer and gear as an
Fig. 3. - Removing End Bearing
assembly from the rear end of the cylinder block.
Disassemble Camshaft
1. Remove the gear from the shaft. Refer to Section
1.7.3.
2. Remove the end plugs from the camshaft, to
facilitate the removal of any foreign material lodged
behind the plugs, as follows:
a. Clamp the camshaft in a vise equipped with soft
jaws, being careful not to damage the cam lobes
or machined surfaces of the shaft.
1972 General Motors Corp.
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