Rocker Arm and Cam Shaft issue

[landin]

Hello All,

I have a strange issue:

My situation started with me having problems with the engine running.

Step # 1 - Install new plugs and wires.
Step # 2 - Remove the valve cover and inspect

My findings:
A rocker arm fell out and was sitting on the side.
And the lifters where out as well.


I have picked up new rocker arms and a new cam shaft.

I am worried that the rocker arm that fell out was not getting lubricated and wore down the rocker arm and cam shaft to the point it fell out......

Any thoughts?


Cheers!!!

 

[scotts90ranger]

if you are going to the trouble, I would get a roller cam and followers from a junkyard, you probably just had a collapsed lifter that let the follower fall off its' guides. the only way I can think to judge whether the one that fell out is worn out or the cam is worn would be to pull another follower and compare them (keep track of them if you plan on putting them back in, they need to go in the same spots), if either is worn, I would suggest replacement. If you have new rockers and cam and they are flat/sliding, they are fine just not as trouble free as the roller type, I would suggest replacing the lash adjusters while you are there, they are like $8 each

 

[landin]

Cheers,

I have decided to purchase a new cam shaft and 8 new rocker arms (230 CAD)

Today I got the timing belt off and was ready to remove the remaining rocker arms.........My work hit a road block. I need to find, in what I'm assuming to be a "overhead cam spring compressor"?

Regarding the rocker arm that fell out: Due to how damaged the one cam shaft nub was its become damaged beyond use, therefore; the rocker arm was also extremely worn down. These happenings can only allow me to think that for some reason the rocker arm was not being lubricated?

I am very concerned that once I have the new rocker arms and cam shaft in, that particular rocker arm will wear down and fall out, again damaging the cam shaft and rocker arm to the point of now return......

What would be happening for it not being lubricated?

THANKS!

 

[scotts90ranger]

you don't need the special tool, the one you can rent/borrow from canadian tire or whatever you have probably won't work, I have one and it didn't work for me. what does work is getting a couple pry bars, the type with the screwdriver type handle or just long stout flat blade screwdrivers, pry between the camshaft between the lobes and the valve spring cap, you should be able to compress the valve spring enough to get the followers off, that's what I've done in the past.

ouch... that's spendy. I don't think it's something that will happen again, at least not something that's isolated to that particular valve. I don't know if you can return things now, but if you can get a used roller cam from a somewhat newer ranger ('89 through '01) along with the roller followers, I can pretty much guarantee that this won't happen again, the newer oils they have now aren't suited to sliding cams anymore, I figure it was either that or contaminated oil that caused your issue. if you want to use what you have, be sure to use some camshaft assembly lube, and I would suggest a new cam seal, it should work and last a good 100 thousand more miles or so. While you are there, new valve stem seals would be a good idea, they are only about $12 and if you have a compression tester that fits on your air compressor and the pry bars that's all you need to put them on.

 

[hartwrenches]

cam followers

cams and followers are hardened and have a tempered outer shell like an egg. Once the outer shell is worn out ( from a billion cold starts ) the cam and follower are riding on really soft steel and they grind down really fast.

Like the guy before said you really should go with a good used roller cam and followers. Be sure to flush out the oil system. Try not to run the engine if it doesn't have enough time to reach operating temp. Short run times on cold engines is really hard on metal to metal parts.

 

[4b316]

You cannot use one from a post 95 lima.They are narrower than your motor and the valve dia.is smaller on the 95+ and the rocker won't fit on your valve.you can use one from a 89-94.Yes,a flat slider cam usually will wear out the lobe from use and loose a rocker especially if you turn it any rpm,s.

 

[landin]

Great stuff guys, cheers!

So now that I have all new rocker arms, a new cam shaft, and lifters should I replace anyting else while I am so deep into the situation thus far?


Cheers!

 

[scotts90ranger]

valve stem seals, cam seal, and timing belt, probably valve cover gasket too while you're there

 

[dirtracer81_2]

You may think im crazy but you can look it up if you dont beleive me...
Place a dime under each lifter thats if you stick with a hyrdraulic setup. Im dead serious look it up thats whats done to mine. Helps them pump up.

 

[flaminranger]

you are not crazy I know a bunch of guys who have done it.
A dime is the same diameter as a spacer(shim) and is alot cheaper $.80 verses $24.

 

[dirtracer81_2]

Thanks for backing me up on that!

 

[slim10]

we had a v 10 do the same thing replaced with a reman and it did the same thing.I believe it may be a overheating problem but not sure.it isnt in my stall and everyone isn't very open minded