Engine still in can, drop it off at a shop, have them do it, and pick it back up. What am I looking at?

 

There is no way to replace the cam bearings with the engine installed. I guess it COULD be done, but the labor required would be more than removing the engine and doing the correct way. The transmission and flywheel would need to be removed, everything in front of the engine, depending on the car and options might include the radiator, A/C condenser, and possible the grille to make room for the installation/removal tool.

 

Camshaft bearings and the oil pump are just two key components to oil pressure. Your oil pump pickup screen could be partially plugged by timing gear debris, worn crankshaft bearings - loose clearances, etc. Why do you think your engine needs camshaft bearings? If it needs new camshaft bearings, the engine needs a rebuild. Doing major repairs to an engine in the vehicle are a recipe for failure. Getting good sealing is very hard even with a lift. Jmo.

 

I guess im wanting to know worst case repair bill just short of a rebuild. I've already sank 5k+ just in the year I've owned my car and it would be nice if I could drive it without much worry at this point. I haven't even started on the things I want to do to it.

 

From reading the othet post about low oil pressure, is my guess correct that you're pursuing higher oil pressure by replacing the camshaft bearings and oil pump? If yes, that may not be the best plan. Worn camshaft bearings will cause lower oil pressure but they are rarely the problem.

As suggested previously, the oil pump screen may be restricted from a worn cam gear. Ask whoever did the camshaft if nylon teeth were missing from the gear, if yes drop the pan, inspect a couple of bearings, and replace the oil pump while the pan is off.

Low oil pressure is most often from worn main bearings, rod bearings or the oil pump. Cam bearings can cause low pressure but it isn't high on the list. I've been wondering if the oil pump screen could be inspected with a bore scope through the drain plug hole, Bore scopes that work from phones are inexpensive.

Good luck!!!

 

Agree with Sugar Bear..cam bearings would be the last item I would chase. Plastigage the mains and rod bearings. If clearances exceed specification, you've found your culprit and these can be replaced without a major tear down. I would recommend pulling the engine and putting it on a stand though.

good luck

 

Have you tried a different oil pressure gage??