cam troubles

[jadney@vwtype3.org (Melissa & Jim)]

>From: Carlson Bryan J <bjc159s@nic.smsu.edu>

>I'm having a difficult time getting a 73 type 3 engine together.  To 
>begin with, the align boring was done incorrectly.  Now that that is 
>taken care of, upon reassembling the case, the crank still locks up.  So, 
>this morning, I assembled the case with just the crank, and it's fine.  
>Assembled with just the cam, and torqued to 25lbs/ft, it is immovable.  
>That time it was with the new cam and bearings.  Tried with the old cam 
>and new bearings, same thing, although moved more freely closer to 
>25lbs/ft(maybe 22-23)than with the new cam, which locked up earlier.  Was 
>going to assemble the old cam with old bearings, but got hungry and 
>decided to turn to the net for answers.  Anyone have any ideas(besides 
>the bearings, which I will try today)? 

Brian,

There should be no appreciable difference between the different combinations 
that you have suggested unless you have gotten hold of a new set of oversize 
cam bearings (for align-bored cam tunnel.)

It is possible that you have a case which has deformed after some of the six 
main stud nuts came loose, later alignbored with a gap between the case halves.
You can check this out by assembling the case empty and just lightly 
snugging up the six main stud nuts; then see if you can slip a .002 feeler 
gauge between the two bearing saddles anywhere: reach in through the 
cylinder holes.

Who did your align bore?  Did they do the cam tunnel, too?  I recommend 
RIMCO in CA for all your case work.  Local work is generally of poor quality 
and high priced.

Did you buy (or get by accident) oversize cam bearings? (I think the size is 
marked on the outside.)  You can measure the OD by slipping a pair around 
any cam and measuring; I believe the difference is .010".

I have some good used T3 cases which I could sell if you need one.

Jim
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       Melissa Kepner                                    Jim Adney
       jadney@vwtype3.org              jadney@vwtype3.org
                             Laura Kepner-Adney
                             Madison, Wisconsin
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