Cam wear question

[Monty231]

I was in the process of changing my rear main, and while i had the oil pan off I was having a look around. I noticed the cam looked rough. What do you guys think is going on? Do I need a new cam? Motor?

Some history, this is a 76 FJ40 with the original 2F. It has supposedly been rebuilt at some point in time. The PO didn't know how extensive the rebuild was, and I don't know what he considered a rebuild. The thermostat has been stuck open for an unknown amount of time, the valves were way out of adjustment and the motor is full of sludge from top to bottom.

I'd really like to avoid a rebuild right now, if this motor even could be rebuilt.

 

[Flipper1938]

My 84 FJ60 ate a cam back about 10 years ago. Replacement cam selection was a lot better back then.

 

[vtgbeemer]

I assume you were changing the rear main seal and not the bearing. The questions I have are, if you have been driving it you should have a feel for how it runs, how much oil consumption there is (or smoke) and if you have any excessive noises coming from the engine. With a proper valve adjustment you should be able to run a compression check and make decisions from there. 2F engines are very buildable but you may find that a good servicing including a new thermostat might help you avoid a rebuild at this time.

 

[Monty231]

Yes, I was changing the rear main seal and cleaning the sludge out of the oil pan. It seems to run pretty strong compared to when I got it. It had a Weber and the timing was way off. I have a trollhole carb and distributor now and it is a lot stronger. I haven't noticed any oil smoke and the plugs look fine. It was running way rich with the Weber. The thermostat was replaced and I've been doing PM and dealing with the neglect of the PO.

 

[FishTacos]

Melling MC803 is still available and high quality.

ITM makes a 2f cam that is passable.

I can't be sure by your pic but it looks like the hardened exterior of that lobe indicates the cam is past due for a replacement. I would examine the lifters as well. If you replace the cam you will want to get your lifters machined.

 

[ColonelMustardFJ40]

If the valve lash was loose when you adjusted them then your cam/lifter interface is wearing. This is a problem that can result from the low zinc and phosphorus content in most current engine oils. I had this symptom about 10 years back. The valve lash started changing (always loose) and the engine was loosing power in general as the lobe profile changed. New cam and lifters with ZDDP additive to the oil and have not had much to adjust since.

 

[Monty231]

Ok, I'm starting to put stuff together in my head now. This is probably the reason why the vacuum gage bouces at idle.

I'm will probably order the Melling cam today. Can a local machine shop take care of the lifters, or should I send them out? And, if so where to? Thanks for the help!

 

[Monty231]

So, I got the cam out tonight, it's definitely got some nasty wear. The lifters don't look to bad, but the front cam bearing has me concerned. I'll just post a picture and let the Mud knowledge base tell me how screwed I am with this engine.

 

[Weber Sarge]

I'd look at the engine's main bearings and rods , may need a full rebuild . That cam is screwed , simple there .
Sarge