Topic: Engine coming out! Bad Cam Lobe!
in Forum: C3 Engines
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
-of-joe120111130185311r.jpg)
Standard Member
Send PM
macedon, NY - USA
Joined: 7/20/2006
Posts: 367
Vette(s): 68 COUPE 454
HAS MOTION HOOD SCOOP, REVERSED GILLS
ZL-1 FENDER FLARES AND
MOTION REAR SPOILER, LEMAN'S GAS CAP,
BUCKET HEADLIGHTS.
CAN-AM FRONT
RACING SPOILER. CHROME HOOKER HEADERS AND SIDE PIPES! 4 SPEED M20,
LOOKS FAST STANDING STILL !!
Well,
I got close to 700 miles on the beast, only to have a bad cam, lobe went flat. (It was an expensive one but even they can go bad)
We start the tear down to pull the engine out tonite.
Nice part is, the gentleman that did the machine work on my engine is backing it up 100%.
All I have to do is labor of tearing down, helping pull it out , and reassembly of the engine.
He's going to rebuild the engine, putting in new cam, complete bearings, rings, ect...
He also said he is going to put in roller lifters instead of the flat ones. He said it should be 2 weeks for completion.
The plan is to leave the tranny (M20) and bell housing in the car and just pull engine, 454 big block.
Has anyone done it this way???
Thanks,
Joe
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Joe, thats bites the big one! So sorry. I pulled my 350 that way myself went in from the passenger side tire. No problem at all. remove dist cap so you don't crack it. Pull the dist even better.
ebo
Glad to hear he is standing behind it. Good luck.
ebo
ebo
Man, Joe, that really stinks! Glad the guy is standing behind his work! Better have it ready for Carlisle!
Barry
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Oh NO Joe...say it ain't SO?
Man, that bites a big fat one. Usually, a cam lobe that goes bad that quick is usually due to improper break-in, no moly on the cam/lifters when installed, or, in rare instances, a lifter that is binding up in it's bore, and not spinning as it should. Could also have been a cam that wasn't hardened properly. I have also gotten cams that were not ground just right, and the lifters just would not spin, due to the incorrect lobe profile...
Glad he's gunna stand behind it, but it still sux...
Man, that bites a big fat one. Usually, a cam lobe that goes bad that quick is usually due to improper break-in, no moly on the cam/lifters when installed, or, in rare instances, a lifter that is binding up in it's bore, and not spinning as it should. Could also have been a cam that wasn't hardened properly. I have also gotten cams that were not ground just right, and the lifters just would not spin, due to the incorrect lobe profile...
Glad he's gunna stand behind it, but it still sux...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Standard Member
Send PM
macedon, NY - USA
Joined: 7/20/2006
Posts: 367
Vette(s): 68 COUPE 454
HAS MOTION HOOD SCOOP, REVERSED GILLS
ZL-1 FENDER FLARES AND
MOTION REAR SPOILER, LEMAN'S GAS CAP,
BUCKET HEADLIGHTS.
CAN-AM FRONT
RACING SPOILER. CHROME HOOKER HEADERS AND SIDE PIPES! 4 SPEED M20,
LOOKS FAST STANDING STILL !!
Adams' Apple said: Oh NO Joe...say it ain't SO?
Man, that bites a big fat one. Usually, a cam lobe that goes bad that quick is usually due to improper break-in, no moly on the cam/lifters when installed, or, in rare instances, a lifter that is binding up in it's bore, and not spinning as it should. Could also have been a cam that wasn't hardened properly. I have also gotten cams that were not ground just right, and the lifters just would not spin, due to the incorrect lobe profile...
Glad he's gunna stand behind it, but it still sux...
Man, that bites a big fat one. Usually, a cam lobe that goes bad that quick is usually due to improper break-in, no moly on the cam/lifters when installed, or, in rare instances, a lifter that is binding up in it's bore, and not spinning as it should. Could also have been a cam that wasn't hardened properly. I have also gotten cams that were not ground just right, and the lifters just would not spin, due to the incorrect lobe profile...
Glad he's gunna stand behind it, but it still sux...
We are quessing that it had to be a bad cam, all the lifters were lubed and checked for fit and rotation, I was there when it was done. Plus this guy is maticulus, precision machinist by trade, and has been building engine since he was 16. (he's 17 now) (just kidding!!!) Anyway, he does not rush a build, he takes his time and rechecks everything.
Car was taken to his shop last night. Tear down will be tonite.
Joe
Joe,
Sorry to read the bad news.
How did you know the cam went bad?
Will the cam manufacturer pay for the work or just a new cam?
I am hoping to get out to the Cabin some Wednesday night. Look for me if you are there.
Save the Wave!
Support the National Corvette Museum
Support the National Corvette Museum
Standard Member
Send PM
macedon, NY - USA
Joined: 7/20/2006
Posts: 367
Vette(s): 68 COUPE 454
HAS MOTION HOOD SCOOP, REVERSED GILLS
ZL-1 FENDER FLARES AND
MOTION REAR SPOILER, LEMAN'S GAS CAP,
BUCKET HEADLIGHTS.
CAN-AM FRONT
RACING SPOILER. CHROME HOOKER HEADERS AND SIDE PIPES! 4 SPEED M20,
LOOKS FAST STANDING STILL !!
Dave,
I had my engine builder come over and i bumped the engine over while he checked the lift.
The one lobe was way off, more than a collaped lifter could be.
I have no idea if he can get a refund from the cam manufacturer, but there will be no cost to me.
I hope he can get it to help cover his costs. He's a great guy.
Yes, I'm sure i will see you some time at the cabin.
In a couple of weeks I'll be back down there. ( Had the Vette there a couple of times).
Joe
Lifetime MemberCOPPERAS COVE, TX - USA
Joined: 7/6/2002
Posts: 417
Vette(s): 1972 corvette stingray convertible
2007 coupe
I've seen this before and it was due to not having the correct oil for break-in all the new oil's are missing that ZDPP or Zinc, I have a friend that his didnt last 50 miles and wore down a lobe. Make sure they use the break-in oil and keep the ZDPP additive in the engine even after break-in.
I have an '82.
According to some repair bills the PO gave me, it got a new cam at around 60k miles.
I believe GM had some soft cams back in the '80s.
Should I put in a zinc additive with every oil change?
Or is there a special oil we need to use?
Save the Wave!
Support the National Corvette Museum
Support the National Corvette Museum
Dave..check the site for the oil debate..there's tons out there..yes there is oil you should be using..Brad Penn and Valvoline VR1 are some but there are a bunch..you shouldn't need to add the additive if your oil already has it in it though.
Sorry to hear about your motor..I guess you never know how things will work out even with the best parts..hope it goes back together fast and with no problems..
My first parade at Carlisle 2010
in Forum: C3 Engines
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)