JX Camshaft woes! Excessive end float

[Timeck]

SO having had grief getting the rocker cover off its finally off with a little persuasion however I've uncovered a problem that I hadn't anticipated. As usual one job leads to another! Never a simple fix!
The camshaft is rubbing on the end of the cover and has blurred the end of the camshaft over and scoured the rocker cover, things are never simple! My first thought is the bearings are worn due to lack of oil at some point and causing excessive end float so a new cam and bearings is possible my way forward however I'm slightly concerned as the engine is "supposed" to be a low mileage vege recon unit.
Can anyone tell me where to buy the bearings for the camshaft, I've had search online but can't find any anywhere, I can find the camshaft but not the bearings.
Has anybody had a similar experience? All advice appreciated and thanks again in advance. Tim.

[clift_d]

If you've got part numbers you could try emailing Brickwerks, or perhaps try these guys in Germany:

http://www.dieselkontor.de" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Timeck]

OK, cheers for the leads, will try them.

[dave friday]

Timeck as far as I know the cam runs in the head without shell bearings! both the original [vw] and the replacement [amc] fitted to my jx engine were/are like this.
I do see what looks like a bearing shell half on the" vagcat" but no key to say what it is!!
Perhaps "vege" machined the head and fitted the shell bearings,have a go at phoning Vege?

[Timeck]

Hi Dave,
Just had another look at the cam and as you say no bearings, probably the reason I couldn't find any online! I haven't stripped it yet hence I just assumed there must be bearing that are worn(didn't want to make the van immobile!) so that leaves me wondering where the wear is, hopefully not on the head. I can't actually work out where it could be, perhaps the cam, who knows at this point. It could be the cam wasn't right from the start and it's been doing it from new. I think I may just file off the burrs and pop the cover back on and hope for the best!
Thanks again for your input on this one,
Cheers,Tim

[boxer]

Wouldn't be eating timing belts if the shaft is floating about enough to contact the back of the rocker cover. Is it shimmed at the sides of the caps? are there shims missing? there has to be something there to prevent it sliding fore and aft. Can you actually get it to move much by pulling and pushing the pully with your hand? Is it the right cover? Clutching at straws as I've never had my cover off but i've seen plenty of OHC setups.

[dave friday]

Hi both, the cam is located fore n aft by number 5 bearing and 2flanges on the cam .number 1 bearing cam and cap has a flange to locate fore only.The "Bentley" manual says max end float of .006 in/.01mm no shims are used!
30 deg c here [a bit hot!!]

[Oldiebut goodie]

Any good to you? JX head, cam, block and pump all available free to pick up if you are local. (Put your location in your details)
JX head, cam, block and pump all available to pick up if you are local.

[Timeck]

Thanks for the generous offer, unfortunately not quite local enough for me! Updated my location now!
Cheers, Tim.

[Oldiebut goodie]

I can get the head to the wilds of Normandie in the next couple of weeks if that is any use? St Cyr du Bailleul to be exact.

[Timburrows]

Timeck as far as I know the cam runs in the head without shell bearings! both the original [vw] and the replacement [amc] fitted to my jx engine were/are like this.
I do see what looks like a bearing shell half on the" vagcat" but no key to say what it is!!
Perhaps "vege" machined the head and fitted the shell bearings,have a go at phoning Vege?

Shells are for reconditioning heads,both cam and head get machined to fit,funny their not shown on any other diesels,meu be the JX had a much harder life