Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Cam Gear Walk

[DieselBoy109]

Hi everyone i just joined the website. I have 1996 Dodge Cummins with a nv 4500, with 201,000 miles on it. My truck is modified it has a industrial injection turbo pushin 65 lbs of boost. An extremely modified P7100 and i am at 596 horses and 1015 ft lbs. Head studs and O ringed head. Does any one know of the cam gear walkin off the cam. Mine moved 36 thousandths out of tolerance. It started to wear a hole in the timing cover and the cam lobes are all good and in specs. I was just informed the cam gear could be worn and when the cam gear is worn it will pull right off the cam. It moved enough to knock the soft plug out off the back of the motor.

 

[BigYellowIron]

Yep, Hot injection pumps and big rpms will make em walk. Most people weld the gear to the cam. There is also some cams with bolt on gear options.

I have seen the cam drilled and tapped to accept a 1/2 inch bolt and a large flat washer. PM me if you need any more details.

 

[PToombs]

Signal 73 just had that happen to his recently. His walked about 1/2 an inch, judging from the pics I saw. He changed his cam out to one with a bolt on gear.

 

[Signal73]

Exactly what Happened to me. Had it not been for the oil leak out of the soft plug I wouldnt have known until something got real ugly. Be sure to use the soft plug with the rubber o-ring designed for the newer engines, or getting it to seal right could be a real mother%@@

Here are 2 pics, solution for me was a F-1 Helix 2 cam with bolt on gear.

Good luck let us know how you make out.

Jim



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[Jim Fulmer]

It's sad to think anyone would have to buy a $1000 camshaft to cure this issue, no way I would. Pull the cam, take it to a machine shop and have them drill and tap it for a bolt/retainer, shouldn't cost more than $100 to fix it.



Jim

 

[Signal73]

Not saying I HAD to. It was one of those "well its apart I might as well upgrade" kinda deals. But I know what your saying, it can be taken care of with keeping the stock cam and saving $$.

 

[Moose Truck]

It's sad to think anyone would have to buy a $1000 camshaft to cure this issue, no way I would. Pull the cam, take it to a machine shop and have them drill and tap it for a bolt/retainer, shouldn't cost more than $100 to fix it.



Jim

Not saying I HAD to. It was one of those "well its apart I might as well upgrade" kinda deals. But I know what your saying, it can be taken care of with keeping the stock cam and saving $$.

He's Just that Diesel Bug Thing and has got it "Good", :-laf It's nice being able to afford it...

 

[Signal73]

well moose, ya see, err, um. At the time I saw it as a necessity so the $ had to be spent :-laf see you at coffe nite tonight.

 

[PRattenbury]

I went to change my cam and head last winter. That cam job is still ongoing, and I'm over $20,000 lighter.

 

[Moose Truck]

well moose, ya see, err, um. At the time I saw it as a necessity so the $ had to be spent :-laf see you at coffe nite tonight.

I would like to do Coffee Night, But I can't :{ I am on Vaction, sorta, Wife is in Fla, and I got all three Mooslings And 1 is way to young for Coffee Night

I went to change my cam and head last winter. That cam job is still ongoing, and I'm over $20,000 lighter.

And Truston still Aint Done Yet :-laf Moose

 

[PRattenbury]

Thurston might have set a record for the most expensive cam and head replacement ever done to a passenger vehicle. :-laf

 

[Moose Truck]

Thurston might have set a record for the most expensive cam and head replacement ever done to a passenger vehicle. :-laf

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[Signal73]

And 1 is way to young for Coffee Night

They were DEFENETLY too young for coffee night tonight:-laf

 

[I-6DZL]

Jim does your truck have a stock cam?



Correct me if i'm wrong but doesn't a perf. cam help with spool-up, and the over-all power curve ?



Thanks

Curtis

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Jim does your truck have a stock cam?



Correct me if i'm wrong but doesn't a perf. cam help with spool-up, and the over-all power curve ?



Thanks

Curtis

Yes I run a stock cam. I would have nothing against an aftermarket one if the price was right, heck I would give countless amounts of data back from the R&D. I guess I haven't done well enough over the last 5 years going from stock to 850HP(note less than 1000) on a Sailors' wages to warrant a camshaft.



I've talked to Comp several times about it as his prices are up my alley and will more than likely get one for my conversion truck. I'm going to try a different 12V approach with it if I can afford it.



Jim

 

[JTroiano]

Can some one tell me a little more about welding the gear on? I have a nice mig I can crank up. Do you weld all the way around or just a little and do you turn the heat way up to get good penetration? I thought I was done inside the motor. Its always something.



Jon T

 

[thekidfan]

Can some one tell me a little more about welding the gear on? I have a nice mig I can crank up. Do you weld all the way around or just a little and do you turn the heat way up to get good penetration? I thought I was done inside the motor. Its always something.



Jon T

Welding the gear on is not a good option!

 

[JTroiano]

Why not? warpage? Brittle? How about drilling and putting a bolt in the end with a big washer? I really dont want to have to take the cam out.



Jon T

 

[I-6DZL]

Thank you for your response. Just a couple more questions if i may. Do you beleive you could break 900hp with a perf. cam in the eng you run right now? I'm sure there is room for improvement on spool-up, and was wondering how drastic a cam would help. Myself being in the same (if not worse) boat than you, i'm looking for better ways too spool my hx40, and to clean up the smoke to acceptable levels.



BTW i've been reading your posts since i've been on here and gain nothing but great things from what you say. Thank You!



long post short, i just didn't think 850hp was possible on a stock cam. Once again you've proved the high dollar approach doesn't out weigh tuning.



Curtis

Yes I run a stock cam. I would have nothing against an aftermarket one if the price was right, heck I would give countless amounts of data back from the R&D. I guess I haven't done well enough over the last 5 years going from stock to 850HP(note less than 1000) on a Sailors' wages to warrant a camshaft.



I've talked to Comp several times about it as his prices are up my alley and will more than likely get one for my conversion truck. I'm going to try a different 12V approach with it if I can afford it.



Jim

 

[DieselBoy109]

Thank you everyone for their information i am probably jujst goinga day. toweld it on and call it