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Chinese Flathead camshafts

Started by bpowell, November 19, 2017, 10:51:50 AM

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bpowell

Have any of you used the new manufacture Chinese camshafts?
If so, Have you had any issues?
The cam I have is marginal. Lobe wear is good, but it has about .005 run out and some corrosion right on the cam noses.
Do any of you have any experience getting the cams reground?

Billp

TJ Hopland

China can make good stuff but the demand seems to be for cheap so that is what they make.   

I think until recently aftermarket was almost always regrinds and they seemed to work fine.  Good thing about the regrinds was someone previously tested them for hardness so you know you were not starting with one of the infamous 'soft' cams from the 70's.   I don't think I would trust a random online vendor but a local shop or one that someone recommended I would think would still be a good option.   
StPaul/Mpls, MN USA

73 Eldo convert w/FiTech EFI
80 Eldo Diesel
90 CDV
And other assorted stuff I keep buying for some reason

bpowell

I have had cams reground before by Isky-outstanding job!

My worry is, they have to grind the base circle which makes my valve stems automatically to short. That is the only stock valve adjustment for these engines..

Bill

z3skybolt

Terrill Machine claims to have new cams Made in the USA.  Might want to check with them

Bob
1940 LaSalle 5227 Coupe(purchased May 2016)
1985 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series. Bought New.

bpowell

I called Terrill machine on Friday. They no longer have domestic camshafts or any type of bronze idler.

Thanks though,

Bill

The Tassie Devil(le)

I would have no hesitation in having a camshaft re-ground.   In fact, I have had many done over the years, and have never had any problems.

Bruce. >:D
'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe

z3skybolt

Bill,

Sorry to hear that. I just bought a new set of 16 lifters...bodies and plungers from Feltz.  The boxes were "stamped" Made in the USA.  Perhaps I misunderstood when I questioned about the cams.

Too bad. Many of us would pay top dollar for quality parts.  Just not enough demand I guess.

Bob
1940 LaSalle 5227 Coupe(purchased May 2016)
1985 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series. Bought New.

z3skybolt

Bruce,

Does your experience with reground cams extend to the flat heads?  Someone raised the concern that grinding the cams for a flat head "might" cause too much spacing with the valve stems.

Just trying to learn all I can...as I have issues with the recent overhaul of my 346.

Thanks,

Bob
1940 LaSalle 5227 Coupe(purchased May 2016)
1985 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series. Bought New.

The Tassie Devil(le)

Sorry, but I have never bothered with Flathead engines, of any kind.

Never even considered them as boat anchors even.   I am an Overhead man.

But, having said that, don't these old Flatheads have adjustable valve trains?

Bruce. >:D
'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe

Bobby B

Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on November 19, 2017, 08:38:20 PM
But, having said that, don't these old Flatheads have adjustable valve trains?

Bruce,
Hi. Nothing adjustable in the Flathead Valve Train. You set a 3" spacing between the heel of your cam lobe and the tip of your "upside down" valve stem and that's it. The lifter will take care of your normal wear. If it's too worn, or wasn't set up correctly from the start, you're SOL and welcome to the world of the Flathead Tap. It's a tedious process for the machinist, of course.You've been Warned  ;D ;D ;D
                                                                             Bobby
1947 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe
1968 Mustang Convertible
1973 Mustang Convertible
1969 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
1971 Datsun 240Z
1979 H-D FLH

Bobby B

Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on November 19, 2017, 08:38:20 PM
Never even considered them as boat anchors even.   

I Have........ ::)
              Bobby
1947 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe
1968 Mustang Convertible
1973 Mustang Convertible
1969 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
1971 Datsun 240Z
1979 H-D FLH

The Tassie Devil(le)

Quote from: Bobby B on November 19, 2017, 08:57:46 PM
I Have........ ::)
              Bobby 
The reason that V8 engine blocks are no good as boat anchors is that they act like a ball and roll around on the sea bed.

The best mooring blocks are either a 6 cylinder block, as they are wide and flat, or large construction or machinery gear wheels, and need to be at least 4 feet in diameter, and have spokes.   These lay flat, and spread the load, and gradually bury themselves into the mud, or sand.

Bruce. >:D
'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe

1976Deville

NOTHING   Made in China goes in my car.

Bobby B

Quote from: 1976Deville on November 30, 2017, 09:43:05 PM
NOTHING   Made in China goes in my car.

That's what you think.... ;D ;D ;D
                                          Bobby
1947 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe
1968 Mustang Convertible
1973 Mustang Convertible
1969 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
1971 Datsun 240Z
1979 H-D FLH