Can the camshaft be repaired? The answer is yes.
However, the possibility of repairing it depends on the extent of the damage.
When my truck camshaft keyway was damaged, I took it to the machinist, and the keyway was repaired, and I am still using it.
However, if the damage is severe, for example, if the camshaft is broken, you need to replace not to repair it.
Click here to read; is camshaft part of engine?
For details on how to repair it, read below.
Can The Camshaft Be Repair
A camshaft can be repaired if its damage is not too severe. But if the damage is severe, it is better to replace it. For example, if a camshaft breaks into two, it is advisable to be replaced rather than welded together.
But if the harm is not too severe, the paragraphs below can explain how to repair a damaged camshaft.
The wear of camshaft journals and bearings can be checked by measuring their appropriate clearances. The proper clearances between camshaft journals and bearings can be measured regarding the crankshaft bearing clearance method.
The matching clearance between the camshaft journal and the camshaft bearing is generally 0.02~0.10mm, and the allowable limit is generally 0.
The camshaft journals of some engines are allowed to be ground. When the matching clearance between the camshaft journals and the camshaft bearings exceeds the allowable limit, the camshaft journals can be ground, and the camshaft bearings of the same level of repair size can be selected.
Most engine camshaft journals and bearings have no repair dimensions.
When the fit clearance between the journal and the bearing exceeds its allowable limit, the Camshaft or Camshaft bearing must be replaced, and if necessary, the two should be replaced.
For those without camshaft bearings, if the camshaft seat hole is severely worn, only the cylinder block or cylinder head can be replaced.
What Happens If You Don’t Fix A Camshaft
It is imperative to fix a damaged camshaft to avoid further damage.
A camshaft is not working alone; it rotates with other components such as a tappet valve, push rod, and rocker’s arm.
The camshaft is the main component of the valve train system. So damage to the camshaft can extend to the other components, such as the push rod.
For example, a damaged camshaft gear may also damage another gear or cause a broken timing belt or chain.
As a system’s main component, you should fix the camshaft as soon as it becomes bad to protect other components.
Another instance is if the camshaft lobes have broken.
The broken part of the camshaft can run to the rotating engine components, which causes seizure or other severe damage to the engine.
For you to avoid all this, fix your camshaft.
What Damages Camshaft
Like other engine components, the camshaft is also subject to damage; below, let’s consider the cause of camshaft damage.
1. Failed lubrication system: if the camshaft is not received sufficient oil to lubricate the bearings for any reason. The bearings must constantly be lubricated to avoid damage to the camshaft.
2. Worn bearings: If the camshaft bearings are worn and not replaced, the bearings will cause the smooth surface of the camshaft to have scratches, which is unhealthy for the camshaft.
3. Foreign particles: If foreign particles enter the valve train or the gear assembly, they can cause damage to the camshaft.
4. Tear and Wear: Although the camshaft is made of hardened steel, the camshaft can wear over years.
An example of this is when the camshaft lobes become lesser. As a result, you will have difficulty adjusting the valves.
Can I Drive With Broken Camshaft
It would help if you did not drive with a broken camshaft. You must park the car immediately when you observe a broken camshaft.
You may be asked why? Read below for the reasons.
1. Noise: a broken camshaft will indeed produce a lot of noise that is not friendly to the neighborhood. The loud noise will prevent you from driving on.
2. Further damages: The camshaft is not working in isolation; other components are working with it, so damage to the camshaft will equally cause damage to other components, such as the timing belt, push rod, and other valve train components.
So you have to stop the engine and call a tow van to take it to the nearest workshop or your garage if you can fix it yourself as a DIY person.
Can A Camshaft Damage An Engine
The camshaft is an engine component; however, it can likewise cause damage to the engine.
In many ways, the camshaft can damage the engine, so let us consider a few examples of how a camshaft can damage an engine.
1. A broken camshaft can cause the engine timing to offset. When the camshaft is damaged while the engine is running, then the engine timing would offset, and as a result that some valve train components can get damaged, such as;
- push rod can bend
- rocker arm can break
2. A damaged camshaft can cause engine seizures. If broken camshaft particles run to a rotating component, it can stop the engine from rotating.
In most cases, a damaged camshaft always results in engine seizure due to the timing gear assembly of which the camshaft is part.
So it would be best if you took care of your camshaft.
Is It Worth It To Replace Camshaft
Yes, it does worth it. It is better to replace the camshaft than to repair it.
The camshaft places a vital role in the smooth running of an engine.
Due to the way it was designed, it is advisable to replace the camshaft if it gets damaged than to replace it.
Although many claim that welding and grounding can help repair the camshaft, it is best to replace the camshaft.
It is not among the most expensive components of the engine, so replacing it should not be a problem when it is damaged.
Another factor you also have to consider is that, after replacing it, it will take some years before you have to replace it again.
How Do You Prevent Camshaft Failure
You must have noticed how important it is from what you have been reading about the camshaft.
Then, what can you do to prevent it from damage?
1. Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance schedule involves changing the engine oil.
Don’t allow the engine oil to be overdue because if it does, the oil’s viscosity will become lower, which will affect the oil’s lubricating power.
When the oil loses its viscosity, the friction will affect the camshaft.
2. Replace the camshaft bearings during the engine rebuild: When rebuilding the engine, don’t forget to replace the camshaft bearings so that the camshaft can continue to enjoy smooth rolling. A bad bearing will damage the camshaft.
How Do I Know If My Camshaft Is Worn Out
it may not be easier to identify a worn camshaft, but reading this article will help to identify a damaged article.
1. Valve train noise: A damaged camshaft will increase the valve train noise because it will alter the valve adjustment.
2. If the camshaft is not actuating the engine valve: If the camshaft lobe has worn out, it may prevent it from controlling the valve’s opening and close because the camshaft is the brain behind the opening and closing of the engine valve.
3. Smoking: A worn-out camshaft will make the engine smoke due to irregularities in the valve operation caused by the worn camshaft.
Frequent timing belt damages: if you observe that your timing belt is always broken, then you have to check your camshaft.
Conclusion
From the above article, you have learned that your camshaft can be repaired. And how to repair it was also discussed.
It would help if you also remembered the symptoms of a worn-out camshaft.
The article also mentioned how to prevent camshaft damage.
Then I answer the question; is it worth replacing the camshaft?
So read the article to broaden your knowledge on camshafts.
Click here to read; how does a camshaft adjustment work?