Cam bearings, full disclosure with pictures

[Brosky]

Well, today I've made more progress on the web site update than the past three months. Being lazy and rain outside will do that! :laugh:

TR6 Cam Bearing Machining

 

[DNK]

9 Hours, WOW.Is the cost worth the effort?

 

[Brosky]

I guess that I could say yes, now that it's done and paid for.

 

[DrEntropy]

But likely NOT for th' next guy who takes that task to Bob's shop, I'd bet...

 

[Brosky]

I hate to say it Doc, but the next guy will probably pay a bit more than the $400 that I paid based on a "prior to actual" quotation.

 

[Trick6]

I was talked out of installing cam bearings at the time of my rebuild. The reason given was that I was using a particular cam that did not place additional stress on the block surfaces. I regret not having the bearings installed now because I can not upgrade to a taller cam profile. Am I OK where I am now? Yes, I am ok. But, if I were to do this again, I would not hesitate in installing the cam bearings for flexibility in selecting various cams.

 

[tomshobby]

Unlike Paul's shop, the place that did mine knew what they were about to do and I did pay more. And I am still very glad I had it done.

If I had only been replacing the rings and grinding the valves it would have been a waste of money. But, for me, doing a complete engine build with other upgrades it is simply part of the project.

 

[LastDeadLast]

Best place to get this done would be a diesel overhaul shop. Apparently most shops don't have the correct machine tools because of the length of our engines (and the fact that this operation just isn't done much). A diesel engine shop should have the machines that you need since nearly all truck engines are i-6. Only problem might be one of scale.. just a wild guess here, but I'd say a big Cummings is a bit larger than our little mills.

 

[tomshobby]

Best place to get this done would be a diesel overhaul shop. Apparently most shops don't have the correct machine tools because of the length of our engines (and the fact that this operation just isn't done much).

That is exactly what I had to do. Even then they had to hone the material out because they did not have a cutter small enough.

 

[DrEntropy]

There's a potential problem: ~Some~ machine shops working on industrial strength equipment will regard our engines as "toys" and not take the time to do it correctly. I've SEEN this first-hand. Even seen a shop turn an MGB engine rebore over to the "apprentice". With the result that it had to then be linered. "Tool slipped".... Yeah, right.

BE aware. Smaller means MORE PRECISE, not less. Attitude is a big part of whether or not a machine shop gets my work.

 

[Brosky]

I was very happy that the owner did all of the work on my block. I know he did because I was there while a lot of it was done. But I visited seven (7) shops before I found Bob and my engine may have only stayed at one other, but not after I found Mason's.