How To Degree A Camshaft

How to Degree a Camshaft: A Comprehensive Guide

Knowing how to degree a camshaft is a crucial skill for serious engine builders and tuners. It allows for precise valve timing adjustment, optimizing performance and reliability. This process isn't for the faint of heart, requiring patience, precision, and the right tools, but the results are well worth the effort. This guide will walk you through the entire process.

Why Degree a Camshaft?

Factory camshaft timing, while generally reliable, might not be perfectly optimized for your specific engine build. Factors like head porting, different piston configuration, or even subtle variations in manufacturing can lead to suboptimal performance. Degreeing a camshaft allows you to precisely adjust the valve timing to maximize power, improve throttle response, and enhance overall engine efficiency. This is particularly important with aftermarket camshafts, which are often designed for specific performance goals.

Tools You'll Need

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools. This includes:

• Degree wheel: This is the most essential tool, providing an accurate measurement of crankshaft rotation.
• Dial indicator: Used to accurately measure camshaft lobe lift and ensure proper valve timing.
• Camshaft degreeing kit: These kits usually contain all the necessary tools and instructions for this process.
• Torque wrench: Essential for correctly tightening components, preventing damage.
• Valve spring compressor: Required to compress the valve springs to access the valve train components.
• Wrench set: A variety of sizes will be needed for engine disassembly and assembly.
• Socket set: Similar to wrench set, you will need various sizes.
• Precision measuring tools: Calipers, etc.

Step-by-Step Guide to Degreeing a Camshaft

The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your specific engine and camshaft, but the general procedure remains the same.

1. Engine Preparation

• Disassembly: Carefully remove the valve covers and other components necessary to access the camshaft and valve train.
• Timing chain/belt removal: Remove your timing chain or belt, ensuring you carefully note its positioning for later reassembly.
• Installing the degree wheel: Securely mount the degree wheel to the crankshaft. Ensure its accurate alignment.

2. Setting the Base Circle

• Find TDC: Rotate the crankshaft until the number one piston is at Top Dead Center (TDC) on the compression stroke. This is usually indicated by a mark on the crankshaft and timing cover.
• Zero the degree wheel: Align the degree wheel to the zero mark, ensuring its accurate positioning relative to the crankshaft.

3. Measuring Camshaft Lift

• Install the dial indicator: Mount the dial indicator to a secure point on the engine block, aligning its probe with the camshaft lobe you are measuring.
• Rotate the crankshaft: Slowly rotate the crankshaft, using the degree wheel to precisely measure the camshaft lobe lift at different points. This helps determine the actual valve timing.
• Record your measurements: Keep accurate records of the lift measurements at different degree increments. This data is crucial for adjusting the camshaft timing.

4. Adjusting Camshaft Timing (if necessary)

• Advanced or Retarded: Based on your measurement, you might need to adjust the camshaft timing by advancing or retarding it. This usually involves loosening the camshaft sprocket bolts and adjusting the position of the sprocket.
• Re-measure: After making adjustments, re-measure the camshaft lobe lift to ensure the timing is correct.
• Re-tighten components: Properly tighten all bolts and components to the manufacturer's specifications.

5. Reassembly and Verification

• Reassembly: Carefully reassemble all components, ensuring proper alignment of the timing chain or belt.
• Verification: After reassembly, it's crucial to double-check your work and ensure that all components are correctly installed and functioning.

Safety Precautions

• Always use appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and gloves.
• Ensure the engine is securely supported to prevent accidents.
• Use the correct tools and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging components.
• Double-check all measurements and settings before starting the engine.

Degreeing a camshaft is a precise and demanding task, but mastering this technique allows for significant performance gains. Remember to always prioritize safety and precision throughout the process. Good luck!