#### CHECKING CAMSHAFT JOURNALS AND CAMSHAFT BEARING SADDLES

While the camshaft is still removed from the cylinder head, the camshaft bearing journals should be measured with a micrometer. Compare the measurements with those listed in the Camshaft Specifications chart in this section. If the measurements are less than the limits listed in the chart, the camshaft will have to be replaced, since the camshafts in all of the engines covered in this guide run directly on the cylinder head surface; no actual bearings or bushings are used, so no oversize bearings or bushings are available.

Using an inside dial gauge or inside micrometer, measure the inside diameter of the camshaft saddles (the camshaft mounts that are either integrally cast as part of the cylinder head, or are a bolted on, one piece unit. The Z-series engines use a saddle-and-cap arrangement. The inside diameter of the saddles on all engines except the CA20E/CA18ET is 48.00–48.01mm. The CA20E/CA18ET measurement is 46.00–46.01mm. The inside diameter on the KA24E with the camshaft bracket and rocker shaft torque to specifications is 31.5–33.00mm. On the VG30E engine contact a Nissan dealer or local machine shop for that specification. The camshaft journal oil clearances are listed in the Camshaft Specifications chart in this section. If the saddle inside diameters exceed those listed above, the cylinder head must be replaced (again, because oversize bearings or bushings are not available).

Fig. 1: Measuring camshaft journal diameter

Fig. 2: Use an inside micrometer or dial indicator gauge to measure camshaft bearing saddle diameters