cam problems
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Bridger Mtns, Montana
cam problems
I think the valve noise I have in my 360 is due to worn cam lobe(s). I pulled both vavle covers and fired it up and most all rockers move equally except 2 on the passenger side. Exhaust valves I think. I can't tell any difference in performance since it started.
Questions:
-How long can I drive like this and/or what can I expect to break in doing so?
-If I just simply replace the cam/pushrods/etc. what other problems can I expect to find?
The rest of the engine is solid and I really hate to pull it right now. An upgrade to a 390 is in the future, but hadn't planned on that until spring. Any info is greatly appreciated.
-Bryan
Questions:
-How long can I drive like this and/or what can I expect to break in doing so?
-If I just simply replace the cam/pushrods/etc. what other problems can I expect to find?
The rest of the engine is solid and I really hate to pull it right now. An upgrade to a 390 is in the future, but hadn't planned on that until spring. Any info is greatly appreciated.
-Bryan
Senior User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
cam problems
If your cam lobes are wearing off it will eventually have 2 dead cylinders.How long this will take is unknown but I'd bet it'll be sooner than later.If the rest of the motor is in good shape,I'd go ahead and replace the cam and lifters.You shouldn't need to replace the pushrods as you stated unless you find one that is bent.I've replaced cam and lifters a bunch of times with the motor in the truck,it's not a real bad job if you take your time and be careful.ON the issue of pushrods I think I would pull them out on the cylinders you were referring to and make sure they are not bent,if they are that could make a big difference on how much the rocker moves.You will need to "break in" the cam and lifters.After they are installed you need to bring the rpms up to about 2200 for about 25 min. and don't let the truck idle during this time.You need to do this as soon as it starts.Good luck.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 46
From: Vancouver
cam problems
The intake manifold re&re will go a lot easier if you first remove the rad, water pump and front cover etc. so you can stand next to the engine and handle the intake by yourself.
You will be wise to check the old cam to see if it is ground on a reduced base circle before you buy a replacement, because if it is your pushrods will be too long when used with a cam ground on a new blank.
Eric
You will be wise to check the old cam to see if it is ground on a reduced base circle before you buy a replacement, because if it is your pushrods will be too long when used with a cam ground on a new blank.
Eric
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Bridger Mtns, Montana
cam problems
Thanks for all the info. This will be my first attempt at installing a cam on a V8, so expect to hear more from me later on. I'm going to park it for now and wait for the cold to subside before attempting anything. Too bad because that truck handles better in the snow/ice than most vehicles I've owned. The big drum brakes work better than the ABS on my car!
-Bryan
-Bryan
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 2
From: Gainesville, FL
cam problems
Stur,
Don't jump the gun! Is there play in your valve train. That is, are the pushrods loose for those two valves? If not, then your cam is fine. You can drive a vehicle with a worn cam for quite some time. Your performance will be compromised but you can do it. Save your money for the spring rebuild. or do the rebuild early. I drove a 302 for almost a year with a valve I couldn't get adjusted correctly. When I finally pulled the head, I had no valve seat. It was completely burned away. I replaced the heads only and away I went.
Good Luck, Have Fun,
KingFisher
Don't jump the gun! Is there play in your valve train. That is, are the pushrods loose for those two valves? If not, then your cam is fine. You can drive a vehicle with a worn cam for quite some time. Your performance will be compromised but you can do it. Save your money for the spring rebuild. or do the rebuild early. I drove a 302 for almost a year with a valve I couldn't get adjusted correctly. When I finally pulled the head, I had no valve seat. It was completely burned away. I replaced the heads only and away I went.
Good Luck, Have Fun,
KingFisher
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Bridger Mtns, Montana
cam problems
Nope, no play in my pushrods. Just the valves are not opening all the way compared to the others. Stupid question: if the pushrods were bent, then there would be play... if not then it's worn lobes... right?!? The "tick" gets annoying though, I can't stand it when things don't work right. I guess it makes me feel like the kids next door with the lift kit and fancy stereo in their rigs but spilling around 2 quarts of oil a day from the leaky rear main!
THANKS AGAIN!
-Bryan
THANKS AGAIN!
-Bryan
