GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

J 7872 Magnetic Base Dial Indicator

Cleaning Procedure

  1. Clean the camshaft in solvent.
  2. Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning in the Preface section.

  3. Dry the camshaft with compressed air.
  4. Cover the camshafts with a clean oil soaked towel in order to prevent corrosion.

Visual Inspection Procedure


    Object Number: 593952  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the camshaft sprocket locating pin (2) for damage or wear.
  2. Inspect the threads (3) for the camshaft sprocket bolt.
  3. Inspect the camshaft lobes (1) and journals (4) for the following conditions:
  4. • Excessive scoring or pitting
    • Discoloration from overheating
    • Deformation from excessive wear, especially the camshaft lobes

Camshaft Measurement Procedure


    Object Number: 593956  Size: SH
  1. With the camshaft in a suitable fixture, measure the camshaft for wear.

  2. Object Number: 35212  Size: SH
  3. Measure the camshaft journals for diameter and out-of-round using an outside micrometer.
  4. • If the diameter is smaller than 26.948 mm (1.061 in), replace the camshaft.
    • If the out-of-round exceeds 0.022 mm (0.0009 in), replace the camshaft.

    Object Number: 593961  Size: SH
  5. Measure the camshaft runout using J 7872 . Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications.

  6. Object Number: 593962  Size: SH
  7. Measure the camshaft thrust wall width (1) for wear using an inside micrometer. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications.
  8. Measure the camshaft thrust wall surface (2) for runout using J 7872 . Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications.
  9. If the camshaft is damaged or worn beyond specifications, replace the camshaft. No machining of the camshaft is allowed.

  10. Object Number: 593965  Size: SH
  11. Measure the camshaft lobes for wear using the J 7872 .

  12. Object Number: 1539015  Size: SH
  13. Place the J 7872 with the indicator tip on the base circle (1) of the camshaft lobe.
  14. 8.1. Place the J 7872 dial at zero.
    8.2. Rotate the camshaft until the indicator tip is at the highest point on the lobe. This reading is the lift (3) of the camshaft lobe. Refer to Engine Mechanical Specifications.
    8.3. If the indicated measurement is significantly lower than these specifications, replace the camshaft or engine performance will be reduced.