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10/01/2019 8:27 AM  #1


Camshaft vin decode

Hello, can someone help me to understand if this camshaft is stock or not?
On the cast is wrote
AK7
HD
52




Thank you.
Marco

Last edited by Marco (10/01/2019 8:57 AM)

 

10/01/2019 7:00 PM  #2


Re: Camshaft vin decode

Any writing or numbers on the END of the cam bearing?   What you posted doesn't tell much.....Is it a Comp Cam?
6sally6


Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
 

10/02/2019 1:26 AM  #3


Re: Camshaft vin decode

No this is not a comp cam, the comp cam is installed into the engine.
This is the cam I removed to install the comp cam (XE256H).
But now i would replace the cam again due the broken of rocker arms of intake valve cyl. 7.
The first time the lifter collapsed, for two times the rocker has broken and one time the stud has broken. This is enough for me.
I found a forum explain that more lift cause interference between rocker arm and stud using the stock components, but I don't understand why all the others rockers works properly.
Anyway the cam of the picture was installed in the engine from the time I purchased the car.
Thank you for your reply.
Marco.

     Thread Starter
 

10/02/2019 4:56 AM  #4


Re: Camshaft vin decode

It could just be that the bad one is just a tiny bit shorter.  When tolerances stack up sometimes you get a net effect where its on the tight side. 

Did you change the lifter for the one that broke?  Possibly there's an issue with it.

 

10/02/2019 6:24 AM  #5


Re: Camshaft vin decode

Yes, the lifter has been replaced.
Now I have replaced also the rocker arm and the engine run good but I don't use the car.
My idea is that the rocker arm is not free to complete his stroke to open the valve due to the stud interference and the pushrod absorbed this lack (it's enough a little interference). But after several hammerings the weakest part breakes. 

     Thread Starter
 

10/02/2019 6:33 AM  #6


Re: Camshaft vin decode

I can try to measure how much the valve open and compare it with another open intake valve.

     Thread Starter
 

10/02/2019 9:05 AM  #7


Re: Camshaft vin decode

You should be able to see any contact with the rocker.  If the rocker is hitting something there would be a shiny spot on it.  I've never heard of the rocker hitting the stud.  I have heard of a rocker hitting the vale spring retainer.  Again, there would be a witness mark on the rocker.  When in doubt you can mock it up with clay between the components you think hit and see if they really do.  The thickness of the clay can then be measured to determine clearance.  Clearance will be less when at operating temperature, and to check it you need to temporarily install a solid lifter on the cam, as a hydraulic lifter will just collapse instead of giving you a reliable test. 

Did you install matching valve springs when you installed the XE256H cam? 

 

10/03/2019 12:45 AM  #8


Re: Camshaft vin decode

Thank you for your suggestion, I will try to make the hitting test.
Yes the valve springs are correct, replaced at the same time of the cam.

     Thread Starter
 

10/03/2019 3:41 PM  #9


Re: Camshaft vin decode

Who set the installed height on the springs?  Another thing to consider is coil bind.  If the springs are installed too short that's a very real possibility.  It could be that the one you're having issues with is just a hair tighter than the others.  Its another thing to check at max lift. 

 

10/04/2019 1:31 AM  #10


Re: Camshaft vin decode

the springs has been purchased with the cam suitable for the 289 engine. But i don't think the issue came from the spring.
Thank you for precious suggestions. In fact yesterday thinking to that valve i can tell you that, a pair of years ago it was necessary to rebuilt the valve seat (only on that valve). This has been a trouble from beginning because in a firt time was installed a ring but then this ring has exit from his seat. So it was done a filling welding and machined. I remember that looking at the valve once installed it seems that this was a little bit more height then the others (closed looking from chamber) but i didn't give importance because was not excessive as difference.
Now I think that the top of the stem of that valve is a little down than the others and that the rocker is working starting from a position that cause the hitting with the stud at the end of his stroke.
Probably replacying the cam reinstalling the previous I solve the problem. Otherway I could remove the head and machined the valve seat lowering at the same plane of the others.
To return to my original question of the topic I found also a letter C to the opposite side where is wrote HD (or OH).
Thank you again ans i'm sorry for my bad English.
Marco

     Thread Starter
 

10/04/2019 6:09 AM  #11


Re: Camshaft vin decode

I would check those heights, and if they are different I would pull the head and get it fixed.  You may get around the issue by using a cam that has less lift, but its a band aide fix.

Your English is quite good.  These are complex mechanical things we are discussing, using specific words not commonly learned in the process of learning a second language.  Conversational language use is easy.  Where's the bathroom, how are you, etc.  This kind of stuff, even if you are fluent is tough.  I learned a whole lot of new words in Spanish on my recent trip to Puerto Rico to volunteer rebuilding from hurricane Maria.  I've spoken the language for years, but the terms for construction stuff, even though I work in construction, often left me searching for a word.  "Another beer, please" is a lot more common than "I need to sharpen this chisel". 

 

10/04/2019 2:08 PM  #12


Re: Camshaft vin decode

Could the issue be solved by just machining the top of the valve a little.
If its only ONE valve that's causing the issue.........just fix that valve....not change out the entire camshaft
6sally6
PS......I figured out what you were saying. You're doing fine with your English.
When I spent a month in Italy years ago...I was totally handicapped when trying to communicate.


Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
 

10/04/2019 2:52 PM  #13


Re: Camshaft vin decode

Uno mas cervesa por favor is all the Spanish one needs to know.


Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
 

10/04/2019 3:25 PM  #14


Re: Camshaft vin decode

rpm wrote:

Uno mas cervesa por favor is all the Spanish one needs to know.

Only one cervesa???

 

10/04/2019 4:56 PM  #15


Re: Camshaft vin decode

josh-kebob wrote:

rpm wrote:

Uno mas cervesa por favor is all the Spanish one needs to know.

Only one cervesa???

Yeah ... but you say it a lot.
 


"Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
 

10/05/2019 5:45 AM  #16


Re: Camshaft vin decode

rpm wrote:

Uno mas cervesa por favor is all the Spanish one needs to know.

Ah, necesistas un frase mas, "Donde esta el bano?"

 

10/08/2019 12:50 AM  #17


Re: Camshaft vin decode

So, if you if you will be in Italy you need to know... "un'altra birra media per favore..."
("Donde esta el bano?") "dov'è il bagno?"...maybe after three "birre medie" you need it.

Within this week i'll take the quote for the valve position, I agree with 6sally6, if necessary I will work on the valve seat. So I understand that the camshaft I removed to install the compcam was not the original one.Once again I am happy to spend time exchanging opinions and focusing on the problem to arrive at its solution. This serves to increase culture, at any age. thank you guys.Marco

     Thread Starter
 

10/08/2019 11:57 AM  #18


Re: Camshaft vin decode

Marco wrote:

So, if you if you will be in Italy you need to know... "un'altra birra media per favore..."
("Donde esta el bano?") "dov'è il bagno?"...maybe after three "birre medie" you need it.

Within this week i'll take the quote for the valve position, I agree with 6sally6, if necessary I will work on the valve seat. So I understand that the camshaft I removed to install the compcam was not the original one.Once again I am happy to spend time exchanging opinions and focusing on the problem to arrive at its solution. This serves to increase culture, at any age. thank you guys.Marco

NOT....the valve seat.......The top of the valve STEM. Ask machinist IF this will solve the problem.
6sally6
 


Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
 

10/08/2019 3:53 PM  #19


Re: Camshaft vin decode

Marco wrote:

So, if you if you will be in Italy you need to know... "un'altra birra media per favore..."
("Donde esta el bano?") "dov'è il bagno?"...maybe after three "birre medie" you need it.

Within this week i'll take the quote for the valve position, I agree with 6sally6, if necessary I will work on the valve seat. So I understand that the camshaft I removed to install the compcam was not the original one.Once again I am happy to spend time exchanging opinions and focusing on the problem to arrive at its solution. This serves to increase culture, at any age. thank you guys.Marco

Pretty close to Espanol.  I'll keep that in mind when I finally make it to Italy!

Let us know how this ends up Marco, and good luck (buena suerte, bon chance, must be close?).
 

 

10/09/2019 6:02 AM  #20


Re: Camshaft vin decode

6sally6, I explain why i'm spoken about to work the valve seat, look at  the pictures, pic. "A" is right position of the valve, pic. "B" is wrong position due to the machining of the valve seat. In my opinion. This evening i'll take the measurement, the valve seat need to be worked a little because, as is,  the slot of the rocker arm is close to the stud.  (pic. "B")




 

     Thread Starter
 

10/09/2019 8:20 AM  #21


Re: Camshaft vin decode

I believe you could find hardened valve stem caps of various thickness to bring the rocker back into proper geometry.  Effectively they make the valve stem a bit longer.

Or, order some slightly shorter push rods.

BB


"you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
 

10/10/2019 3:01 AM  #22


Re: Camshaft vin decode

Something to consider...

One thing that you really need to pay attention to is the sweep of the rocker tip on the end of the valve stem. If your pushrod is OEM length and one valve stem tip is lower than the others, your rocker tip sweep will be wide and not centered on the tip of the stem. You want to position the rocker tip/ valve stem tip contact area so it's furthest away from the stud at mid lift so that your sweep is centered and narrow.

The rocker describes a circle in its movement, which means that the rocker tip / valve stem tip contact patch moves back and forth as the valve is opened and closed. Improperly positioning the rocker tip can lead to side-loading the valve guides, wearing them out prematurely. With a valve stem tip sitting lower than the others, your rocker geometry is off on that valve unless you are using a shorter pushrod to correct it. The fact that your rocker stud slot is hitting where it is tells me that the geometry on that valve is way off,.

The best way to check for rocker tip sweep is to get a set of adjustable pushrods, put a set of light springs on a pair of valves and set them up properly with a centered and narrow sweep. Then measure your adjustable pushrods to see if the ones you have been using are right.

 

10/10/2019 5:02 AM  #23


Re: Camshaft vin decode

351MooseStang wrote:

Something to consider...

One thing that you really need to pay attention to is the sweep of the rocker tip on the end of the valve stem. If your pushrod is OEM length and one valve stem tip is lower than the others, your rocker tip sweep will be wide and not centered on the tip of the stem. You want to position the rocker tip/ valve stem tip contact area so it's furthest away from the stud at mid lift so that your sweep is centered and narrow.

The rocker describes a circle in its movement, which means that the rocker tip / valve stem tip contact patch moves back and forth as the valve is opened and closed. Improperly positioning the rocker tip can lead to side-loading the valve guides, wearing them out prematurely. With a valve stem tip sitting lower than the others, your rocker geometry is off on that valve unless you are using a shorter pushrod to correct it. The fact that your rocker stud slot is hitting where it is tells me that the geometry on that valve is way off,.

The best way to check for rocker tip sweep is to get a set of adjustable pushrods, put a set of light springs on a pair of valves and set them up properly with a centered and narrow sweep. Then measure your adjustable pushrods to see if the ones you have been using are right.

I go through this on every engine I build to ensure I have the correct length pushrods.  You need a solid lifter for it, because a hydraulic will collapse instead of operating the rocker correctly.  You can buy lifters individually, and it won't hurt a hydraulic cam running a solid lifter on it. 

Nice drawings BTW. 
 

 

10/11/2019 12:38 AM  #24


Re: Camshaft vin decode

Thank you guys for your consideration.
I found more or less 0.04" (abount 1 mm) difference between that valve and the others and this could be a big difference where tolerance are very close.
Pushrods are OEM lenght. From the time of valve seat rebuilt this valve is the only one which have had issues, so I belive that the right way is to remove the head and work the valve seat.
Marco.

     Thread Starter
 

Board footera


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