I have been working slowly on the 94 with 3vze to replace the headgaskets and finally got to the passenger side and pulled the camshaft and this is what I found





What are my options here as it looks like replacement is needed. Are there any aftermarket sources since Toyota wants all my arms and legs for a replacement.

Wondering what the heck could cause that also.

 

probably not the answer you want but... ebay

 

From what I understand, improper removal (sequence) is what cause those guys too crack.

One of mine was cracked when I did my cams.

Try a junker or ebay.

 

Prices much better on Ebay. Who is making most of them???

Is it better to replace in pairs??

I am racking my brain on how long they have been that way. Toyota did the first sets of headgaskets back in 2000 or 2001 from what I can remember under the campaign they had. I am wondering if it has been that way since then as I have never torn into the motor before.

Thanks all for the suggestions.

 

Cams are usually very brittle if you don't remove the bolts in the correct pattern(some vehicles) they can break. If its cracked and or the lobes have scaring and flaking replace them.

 

Ted at engine builder

 

Another question, when replacing the cams what have most of you done regarding clearance on the bearings, are you just putting the cams in and moving on or checking the clearance. According to what I have read if the clearance is off the bearing caps and heads have to be replaced since they do not use an actual bearing. Is this correct?

Ted has the cams for 125 ea.

 

Well you are supose to measure the cam clearnace with plastigauge. Put a lil quater to half inch piece on the cam bearing cap surface and tourqe down to proper specs. Unbolt and measure the plastigauges thinkness according to manufactuers specs. IF its out of spec then measure the cam bearing surface with a micometer and see if its in spec. If it is then some machining may be required to the head or possible repalcement.... But its prob not out of clearance they usually do alright and don't have much issue. If it were me trying to do it and get it done i would put some assembly lube on the cam contact bearing surfaces and lobes tourqe them down to proper specs and see how it spins it sould be a pretty free spin. Just make she theres no play on the cam moving it up and down and side to side. You should also check for thrust clearance but if its not more than a hair i would not worry. Alot of specail tools come for this if you don't have them just throw in the new cams and go... if your unsre about it take it to a shop.

 

Well he doesn't have them listed? A big kick in the pants for you sir! (Ted)

For reasons other than not carrying tall deck 22R timing covers

 

Sent him an email, since I did not see them either, but he said yes. He has always been quick to reply, on Easter Sunday no less.