Fix for Trashed CamShaft Journal?

- L
- Luther
  
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posted
20 years ago

Mon, Apr 12, 2004 3:25 AM

I was recently doing some work on my 3VZ-E and noticed that the one of the bolts on the No. 1 journal on the right side had been stripped out. So, I installed a helicoil, bolted down the journal and thought all was okay.

The motor had some problems starting and, when I went back in to determine the problem, I noticed the right camshaft was virtually locked up. I pulled it out and the No. 1 journal was roughed up pretty bad. The camshaft was scored badly as was the journal right next to the front camshaft seal.

I have no idea what I did wrong.

My question is this. Is there a way to repair this situation? Can the camshaft be taken down on a lathe and then some sort of two-piece sleeve be placed in the journal? I would hope so. Otherwise, I suppose I would need a new camshaft and a new head.

TIA for any help.

Luther

- G
- gregory trimper
  
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posted
20 years ago

Mon, Apr 12, 2004 3:35 AM

I wouldn't trust a helicoil in that location; even torque on both sides is critical.

The camshaft could be reground, but as far as "sleeving" I really doubt it.

I have a spare good head in the garage, I just don't remember if it is RH or LH. Just to confirm, though: when you say "RH" do you mean Passenger or Driver's Side? There always seems to be some confusion, much like Stage Right vs. audience's right. Feel free to email directly.

GTr

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- max-income
  
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posted
20 years ago

Mon, Apr 12, 2004 3:40 PM

For a good fix the cam will need to be reground. For a cheap down and dirty fix (only advisable on a vehicle with mega miles and little value) you can wrap a piece of fine emery cloth around the journal, then wrap a string around that 5 or 6 times with a foot or so extra string on each end. Pulling the string back and forth will rotate the emery cloth and smooth out the high spots. This is not recommended for a vehicle of any value, but it will keep a beater going.