pooched cam

[warmland89]

The van has been slowly developing a 'clacking' that I had attributed to tappets. Last week I adjusted the valve clearances and it did nothing, much to my disappointment. So, I thought that maybe I did a lousy job at it and decided to re-check my work. The clearances were good. Hmmm. The sound was definitely top end, non-load dependant and rev associated. All the bolts holding down the rocker assembly and cam were good and snug.

Then, with a little rag action the problem became apparent...



And, that's not the only lobe damaged. At least six of the eight are in a similar condition.

Guess I need a new cam. Do any of you have suggestions on suppliers?

[Todd64]

Wow...what would cause that?

[ccautos]

This is caused by failure of the roller bearings in the rocker assembly which in turn hammers the cam resulting in the mentioned damage .
I have used cams and roller rockers in stock . I can also supply new rockers if required .

[MardyDelica]

Hi, its a ommon on this delica as maybe the previuos owner dont do change oil all the time. the best way is change the oil all the time & used good oil same as we used in the truck,
if the lube is no good then the roller bearing in the cam could result malfunction.
Cheers;
Mardy

[warmland89]

The reported history of the van was that it sat for long periods of time in it's earlier overseas life. Maybe this lead to some corrosion/pitting of the hardened surface of the cam which eventually broke down over time.

Either way, I am heading to see Glen at CCA as I am located on the Island and he has a plethora of used parts. I'll post the results of the replacement.

[snelson]

Hey guys,
By digging in to look at the cam do you need to replace your valve cover gaskets? Or can the cover be opened and the gasket reused?
Steve

[MardyDelica]

Hi, steve,
pls dont do that change it, to avoid oil leak not that expensive.
cheers;
Mardy

[warmland89]

Hey guys,
By digging in to look at the cam do you need to replace your valve cover gaskets? Or can the cover be opened and the gasket reused?
Steve

It's a rubber gasket. Replacing it is a good idea if it hasn't been done in a while, but I would expect that you could have a peek without problems. Not sure if you should replace it everytime you want to check your valve clearances. However, I would bow to the ones with greater knowledge here (ie. real mechanics).

[warmland89]

New (used) cam in and what a difference! It's amazing what you get used to in terms of engine noise. Thanks to Glen at CCA for digging up a sweet replacement for me. Nice shop and a good bunch of guys. I must say that the cam that I got from Glen is much cleaner as far as the casting goes. My old cam was 'rough', to say the least, between the lobes. Not sure if this means anything, probably not, but what the heck! I also replaced all bolts that hold down the rocker assembly as one sheared when I was applying the final torque. Better safe than sorry.

My machine is as quiet as a mouse now. Well, as quite at these vans can be.

Here are some other shots of the other surfaces that were damaged. The top photo is the last valve on #4 where most of my 'clack' was coming from. Gee, really?! And, to my amazement, none of the rollers on the rockers were damaged. Bonus!





Cheers,

Tom