Cam Bearing Install Tool

[Jeff NWOH]

I've decided I want/need a cam bearing install tool. I have a couple jobs for it already.

The standard seems to be the Lisle 18000 set (red). I've also found a kit by Performance Tool, W89220, that looks exactly the same except for the color of the case (grey). It costs a fair amount less than the Lisle set.

Anyone have any first hand experience with the Performance set? Anyone have the Lisle set and able to say if its USA made? I couldn't find a country of origin for either. I don't have a problem paying for a decent tool, but if its exactly the same set, I'll save myself $50.

Is there a better set than either of these that wont break the bank?

 

[Mike M]

I've installed several cam bearings with a section of all thread some nuts and a very nice assortment of washers. I'd rather draw them into place and you can "feel" how they are going in as opposed to beating them into place. If you happen to have a lathe a custom pilot can be made for a more perfect fit.

 

[Dieseltech]

I have the red boxed one. Main thing when using any of the mandrels is to use the largest one possible, and make sure the shaft nut is tight. USE the tapered cone too as it helps keep the bearings straight. Trick I use where I can on the FRONT bearing is to come in from the REAR, so the centering cone can be used. If you don't come in from the rear, and install the front "free hand" you may find the cam turns hard as the front bearing may not be straight in place..

 

[Hobo,NC]

My Lisle set stamped in the knocker shafts made in the USA. Its 15 years old tho maybe more.

 

[JD Seller]

The Performance Tool one is fine for the person that uses it maybe a few times each year. The Lisle kit is a little better. I have MAC set that I bought 35 years ago.

The main difference is the quality of the steel in the driver. The performance tool is very mild steel. If you use it a lot the drivers will mushroom quite easily. The Lisle is a better quality and should have a life time warranty. I would pay the $40 more difference. I found the Lisle for $124 and the Performance for $82.

Lisle at Tool Discounter:
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=LIS18000&source=froogle&kw=LIS18000&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6cy1ipGS1wIV1VmGCh22Wg88EAQYASABEgLJmfD_BwE
Lisle Set at Tool discounter

 

[funky_g00]

The Lisle set should be American made unless they started outsourcing. The performance tool one will definitely be made in China or Taiwan. I have used the Lisle, for the price it does what it is supposed to. Is it the best one out there, no. Pros: Universal fit the drivers expand to fit various size bearings, no marring of bearing with use of rubber sleeves, price affordable. Cons: bearings may not drive straight because of the flex in the rubber sleeves or the drivers do not expand evenly, rubber sleeves will cut, roll and deteriorate, and its best to have a helper or clamp to keep the universal cone lined up and tight against the block in order to drive straight and true. Having said this I contemplated getting this Lisle set for years until I found a Lisle set from the 50's that has all solid drivers and no universal cone. Based on the instructions I am limited to engines from 1957 and older which are the ones I enjoy working on anyway so it does not bother me. I do not know if you can buy a new solid driver set anymore that is affordable. HTH

 

[Phil9N3667]

When I worked for a Mack Trucks service dealer, we had a set they had made. We'd get pistons from old hydraulic cylinders and machine them in the lathe, easy work since they were aluminum. I made all kinds of drivers, etc for transmissions, rears and engines while I was there.

 

[dr sportster]

Summit Racing has three and they vary a lot in price but all seem to contain the exact same components . I would get the Lisle although I don't think the cheaper one is much different.

 

[dr sportster]

I am in the market for this tool . On second thought I could get one at Summit for 89. dollars. Since it appears to have every component that the more costly ones have -- looks good. I can't read the reviews unless I sign into Summit site. 17 reviews.

 

[dr sportster]

I read the reviews . The buyers were happy except for one guy.

 

[Jeff NWOH]

Thanks for all the input guys. I think I'll order the Lisle set. I did find some sellers that said it was USA made. My gut still tells me the Performance set is the exact same. Even the case is identical except for the color. I guess for an extra 40 or 50 bucks I'm sure what I'm getting.

Dr sportster if you end up getting the performance set, please post back your finding's on it.