Need to replace my camshaft, advice on options for longevity and efficiency.

Sixamskier · Aug 3, 2022

spsauerland said: ↑

Trying not to go down a rabbit hole on this one! First, from Cat reuse and salvage guidelines on Camshaft and rollers.
During normal engine operations, the mating surfaces of each camshaft lobe and tappet or follower establish respective individual wear patterns. If a tappet, or follower is switched to a different location in the engine, the established wear patterns on the camshaft lobes may be incompatible. This could result in premature wear to either the camshaft and/or tappets. Remember the following four items for evaluating the reusability of tappets or followers.

If a camshaft is used again, make sure that the original tappets or followers are installed in the original locations or replaced with new tappets or followers.

New tappets or followers and used tappets or followers that have a normal, smooth wear pattern can be installed with a camshaft that is used if the camshaft does not have wear on the camshaft lobe that can be easily seen or felt. Caterpillar recommends installing a replacement camshaft if the tappets or followers or the camshaft has heavy wear.

Tappets or followers can be reused with original camshaft if in "like new" condition. Used tappets or followers cannot be installed on a new camshaft. Do not use any tappets or followers that operated against damaged camshaft lobes.

A tappet or follower is wearing normally if the wear surface has a “mirror-like” texture. The dull appearance of the contact surface of the tappet or follower could indicate rapid wear of the tappet or follower and camshaft and the tappet or follower should be replaced.

Camshafts with Lifters
When reusing an original camshaft and lifters, the lifters must be installed in the original location and original orientation. Do not use any lifters that operated against damaged camshaft lobes. Used lifters cannot be installed on a new camshaft. A new camshaft requires the use of new lifters.

I know its pricey, but you need to replace all rockers. They have lots of years, miles, hours of service and if two are failing I bet you can count on others being at end of service life also. Rocker shafts appear excessively wore also.

On Injectors, you are correct they are "57's" and the 118-9030 is an original injector. When I pull the injectors out of motor, after quick visual inspection they go directly into a gallon freezer bag. Visual inspection of yours reveals issues with cylinder head. You have combustion gas past tapered seat. Another rabbit hole, but basically I'd suggest closer inspection of injector and probably injector seats need cut at minimum. Least amount of handling is best on injector, doesn't take much to destroy one. Latest thing cleaning is just to clean the tip only in ultrasonic cleaner, I haven't made a basket to do this yet so can't give you any feedback.

Your engine is a 435 from a Volvo. Is that still the case? What is your plans? Will need iron to make a 550, like cylinder packs, turbo, and others. I have that file at home and can reference for you if needed.

Your cam is the same as a 550HP 5EK/6TS. Injector lift is actually more than the 139-0537 one used in the 6NZ C-15, but not sure on ramp rates, lobe separation angle, etc. Attached chart.
Click to expand...

All good information and thanks for the information. Just a few things, I didn't see my 136-1157 listed on your chart, is it listed under a different number and just curious is the 187-3981 basically the same cam?

I decided to try and press out the roller and pin as well as the bushing on the worst injector rocker and surprisingly they pushedd out pretty smooth. Would it be a bad idea to buy Interstate Mcbee bushings, pins and rollers and rebuild all the rockers to save some money?

As for the injectors, does the head need removed to cut the injector taper or could the combustion be coming from a bad head gasket or something similar. The o rings appear to be gone it disintegrated.

This engine is in a 2000 Kenworth w900 now that I purchased used. I don't know any history on the engine other than it was swapped into this truck probably because the c15 went bad for some reason or another.

Thanks again for all the information and advice. I'm open to any and all suggestions!

spsauerland · Aug 3, 2022

Sixamskier said: ↑

All good information and thanks for the information. Just a few things, I didn't see my 136-1157 listed on your chart, is it listed under a different number and just curious is the 187-3981 basically the same cam?

I decided to try and press out the roller and pin as well as the bushing on the worst injector rocker and surprisingly they pushedd out pretty smooth. Would it be a bad idea to buy Interstate Mcbee bushings, pins and rollers and rebuild all the rockers to save some money?

As for the injectors, does the head need removed to cut the injector taper or could the combustion be coming from a bad head gasket or something similar. The o rings appear to be gone it disintegrated.

This engine is in a 2000 Kenworth w900 now that I purchased used. I don't know any history on the engine other than it was swapped into this truck probably because the c15 went bad for some reason or another.

Thanks again for all the information and advice. I'm open to any and all suggestions!
Click to expand...

Your cam P/N supersedes to the 187-3981, should of stated that. Rebuilding rockers is up to you. Some of the valve rockers do not have bushings, but can be bored and bushing installed and machined to size. If bore is still 1.5774" you could just re-use. Cat does recommend chilling roller pin axle to -80 when pressing in. I will attach the salvage procedure. Head doesn't have to be removed to clean up injector seats if you have tooling. Diesel Controls offers tooling to clean them up with head on. Diesel Controls, Inc. (dieselnext.com) I also recommend them for injector work if you go that route. Being it is in a W900, wouldn't be shy of increasing power. Should have plenty of fresh air, free flowing exhaust, and cooling capacity vs the Volvo it came out of.

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Need to replace my camshaft, advice on options for longevity and efficiency.

Sixamskier Bobtail Member

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spsauerland Road Train Member

Attached Files:

C-15rockers.pdf

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Need to replace my camshaft, advice on options for longevity and efficiency.

Sixamskier Bobtail Member

Wait, employers can't reach you!

spsauerland Road Train Member

Attached Files:

C-15rockers.pdf

Wait, employers can't reach you!