Cam Bolt out but...

[LEB Ben]

...what do I replace it with? I know it's a 3/8-16x2, but is there a specific kind of bolt I need? And does it in fact need to be a 2" bolt? FYI it's a 1978 Ford 400 and I need a stock replacement cam bolt.



Anyway, still dunno what really happened, but the bottom few threads were really boogered up, so I ran a tap down in. This seems bitter sweet because I wanted to get a new cam in there really bad, but I'm a cheap bastard and didn't want to drop the $300. I doubt that EZ out will ever be used again either, the damn bolt grabbed and continued to bite 3/4 of the way up the thing.

 

[LEB Ben]

Bump for the night time crowd. What grade and material is the cam bolt. Stock was soft not hardened, but I'm assuming had a minimum tensile strength rating. I was searching ARP and theres were listed as 'chromemoly' and I didn't know if that was just a moly coating or if it was chromium molybdenum/steel.

 

[m78]

I dont have a clue but I bet I have the tap that fits

 

[DNFXDLI]

Chromemoly usually indicates the type of metal...not a coating.

 

[LEB Ben]

Chromemoly usually indicates the type of metal...not a coating.

Thought so...but just making sure it wasn't just a moly coating.

 

[5.0Flareside]

oh man that sucks.

 

[Mil1ion]

are you talking about the cam eccentric bolt ?


It states a B-89 bolt Part# 20522-S8

Nothing special The same bolt is used on Ford alternators

 

[LEB Ben]

are you talking about the cam eccentric bolt ?


It states a B-89 bolt Part# 20522-S8

Nothing special The same bolt is used on Ford alternators

Yeah...that bolt. I just didn't know if it was a certain grade or makeup. So any 3/8-16x2 bolt will work then? I just don't want to deal with another one snapping. Thanks Dennis.

 

[gsxr1238]

You say the threads were damaged on the end of the bolt?If the bolt hole was clear,it might be a possibility that the bolt is too long.Make sure the bolt hole is clean and in good repair to the bottom of the hole.Use a bottoming tap to chase it with.Anti seize makes a great tap lubricant.Determine what length bolt you need,and get a Grade-8 fastener.I always use Blue Loctite on that bolt and torque to spec.The grade-8 is a better alloy and will take the torque without problem.Hope this helps.

 

[Mil1ion]

I thought that was a shoulder style bolt?

IMO, Grade 8 is a littkle extreme if they even make one in that size.

 

[O'Rattlecan]

When in doubt, I always use grade 8.

Ryan

 

[gsxr1238]

You can get grade 8 bolts in virtually any size.Grade 8 is not a case of overkill.It is important to consider them in critical areas.Good hardware is not hard to find.Everybody has a Caterpillar dealer close to them.Go to the parts counter and ask for a One Safe Source book.Full of hardware of all types.Think you will find it very reasonable in price as well.And yes,I work for a Caterpillar dealer.Ha Ha!I have more Caterpillar hardware in all my projects than OEM stuff.Much higher quality and less expensive.

 

[O'Rattlecan]

If you're looking for grade 8 bolts, look no further than your local hardware store. Most of them carry Serv-a-lite products and that includes a great selection of grade 8 bolts. I know Westlake ACE Hardware carried them, but don't know your local chains.

Some of the worst stores for a good selection of fasteners can be Lowe's or Home Depot.

Ryan

 

[fatherdoug]

The '78 Ford manual for a 351M/400 lists the bolt as a 3/8-16 x 1-1/2". The description is "bolt-slotted head". It also lists a camshaft sprocket washer.

 

[LEB Ben]

Thanks man...does it really list it at 1.5"? Cuz I just picked up 2 grade 8's at 2" long. Didn't appear to bottom out either, and that's what I pulled out.



That being said, the saga continues...it appears somewhere along the line, one of the water pump bolt holes on the timing cover decided to strip out. So a couple blue words and thrown tools later, I decided to quit for the night.

 

[fatherdoug]

Thanks man...does it really list it at 1.5"? Cuz I just picked up 2 grade 8's at 2" long. Didn't appear to bottom out either, and that's what I pulled out.



That being said, the saga continues...it appears somewhere along the line, one of the water pump bolt holes on the timing cover decided to strip out. So a couple blue words and thrown tools later, I decided to quit for the night.

Yes, I just double-checked. The Ford manual does say 1-1/2" for 1978. I can only assume thay would be the same for 1979?

 

[Mil1ion]

I got my info from the Ford parts book.

 

[LEB Ben]

Yes, I just double-checked. The Ford manual does say 1-1/2" for 1978. I can only assume thay would be the same for 1979?

Well it is a 78 400...a couple bucks to get the right bolt is probably wise.

I got my info from the Ford parts book.

I just saw a PN, didn't know what to make of it. Same specs as Doug posted?

 

[Mil1ion]

The PN applied to the bolt you asked about

3/8" x 16 x 2"

 

[LEB Ben]

Ok...gotcha, so I'm good to go then...well other than the fact that I get to drill and tap a new hole in my timing cover. Do you by chance have the size of the WP bolts Dennis? 5/16-18?