What do you think of this camshaft?

[srisitt]

I went and checked out a project diesel that's been sitting for a long time. The valve cover is removed so I got to check out the camshaft. It looked pretty good except for this cam towards the front that has some pitting and wear. What do you think?

 

[Dirtman]

I don't like it.

 

[adsm08]

If it isn't a bear to change out once its in the vehicle, I think I'd give it a go.

The tip of the lobe looks like a surface patina that will wear off quickly without major consequence. The lower pit is at the base of the circle where it doesn't act on anything, so again, no major consequences.

 

[Snoranger]

I went and checked out a project diesel that's been sitting for a long time. The valve cover is removed so I got to check out the camshaft. It looked pretty good except for this cam towards the front that has some pitting and wear. What do you think?


View attachment 30862

I'd be worried about that ridge in the top circle. That looks like the lobe has some wear.

 

[Dirtman]

I'd be worried about any engine that "sat for a long time" with no valve covers on it.

 

[adsm08]

I'd be worried about that ridge in the top circle. That looks like the lobe has some wear.

I didn't even see that.

I'd be worried about any engine that "sat for a long time" with no valve covers on it.

I wouldn't, unless it has been exposed to the outside.

I remember years ago the dealer I was working at was installing a junk yard engine in a truck that was traded in, when it came in the intake was cracked and there was water sitting down in the intake runner. The parts guy and the tech doing the job spent a week debating if that cylinder would have any compression once installed (parts guy said no, tech said yes). We got it in, and it wouldn't fire, just cranked. We did a relative compression test, and that was the ONLY cylinder with any compression.

 

[srisitt]

If I did get this truck, what could be done about the camshaft? Are there aftermarket options for this engine? Probably can't add material to the lobe I imagine..

 

[pjtoledo]

roller or flat tappet or follower arm?
mic it and compare to other lobes.

 

[adsm08]

If I did get this truck, what could be done about the camshaft? Are there aftermarket options for this engine? Probably can't add material to the lobe I imagine..

Maybe you would like to drop a hint or two about what this engine is?

 

[19Walt93]

I wouldn't use it even if it's easy to replace after you start it. It's rough enough that it's going to shed metal particles into the oil and ruin other parts like the oil pump, bearings, crank, and anything else that;s lubricated. Seeing the cam I'd want to do a complete teardown before even considering using the engine.

 

[Uncle Gump]

He said in post 1... Diesel

 

[adsm08]

He said in post 1... Diesel

So its a 6.7? Or a 6.0. 6.4? 4.2? 2.8? 7.3? 6.6? 2.2? 2.3?

Did it come out of a forklift? It came out of a forklift, didn't it.

Oh, I bet it's that Jeep one where the cam caps are part of the valve cover!

 

[Snoranger]

So its a 6.7? Or a 6.0. 6.4? 4.2? 2.8? 7.3? 6.6? 2.2? 2.3?

Did it come out of a forklift? It came out of a forklift, didn't it.

Oh, I bet it's that Jeep one where the cam caps are part of the valve cover!

You forgot (or left it out on purpose) the 5.7L diesel.

 

[srisitt]

So its a 6.7? Or a 6.0. 6.4? 4.2? 2.8? 7.3? 6.6? 2.2? 2.3?

Did it come out of a forklift? It came out of a forklift, didn't it.

Oh, I bet it's that Jeep one where the cam caps are part of the valve cover!

It's an 86 2.3L Turbo Diesel. Parts are pretty scarce so I'm curious if there are any options with machining or if I'd have to track down a donor. The rest of the cam actually looked pretty good I wish I had closer pictures of it.

 

[adsm08]

You forgot (or left it out on purpose) the 5.7L diesel.

I had a headache and didn't feel like coming up with more numbers.


@srisitt, I think I'd look for a machine or speed shop that does custom cams.

You may have to get a couple made, but if parts are rare you can probably sell the others.