Cam Check

lyonsperf · Post by **lyonsperf** » Sun Jul 21, 2019 5:56 pm

Where can I send an old Crane mechanical cam, SBC, to get checked out for wear, straightened and polished for a new set of lifters?

I used this cam many years ago, swapped it out for a milder grind but now want to go back to it.

mag2555 · Post by **mag2555** » Mon Jul 22, 2019 5:55 am

If it's a cast iron core Cam I have no idea how you streighten that!

rebelyell · Post by **rebelyell** » Mon Jul 22, 2019 9:09 am

Seems any decent auto machine shop that grinds cranks should be able to measure straightness, lift and journal concentricity; and polish.

F-BIRD'88 · Post by **F-BIRD'88** » Mon Jul 22, 2019 10:59 am

Is this camshaft a flat tappet cam or a roller cam?

Post by **Dave Koehler** » Mon Jul 22, 2019 12:28 pm

I bet it will be easier, quicker and cheaper to purchase a modern version of that cam.
Old SBC Flat tappet cam
Straightness check can be done on a flat surface with a light or feeler gauges under the journals.
Basic full lift wear can be comparatively measured with a micrometer.
I really doubt you will want more detailed measurements.
That may cause major disillusionment.

Polishing a used flat tappet...meh.
If it is to remove rust it is likely already toast.

lyonsperf · Post by **lyonsperf** » Mon Jul 22, 2019 12:40 pm

Thanks everybody for the replys.
Its a old Crane Commander 113841. The new 113841 has completely different grind specs.
I was told many years ago that you needed to polish the lobes to get new lifters to mate to them.

Krooser · Post by **Krooser** » Mon Jul 22, 2019 12:45 pm

mag2555 wrote: ↑Mon Jul 22, 2019 5:55 am If it's a cast iron core Cam I have no idea how you streighten that!

The new cam you buy has been straightend by the core supplier and again by the grinder....been doing it that way forever.

F-BIRD'88 · Post by **F-BIRD'88** » Mon Jul 22, 2019 1:13 pm

What is the cam grind number on the end?
Or on the old cam card....
To see if this cam exists under a new catalog part number now..
Weigh that price to the price of inspecting, servicing your old cam beyond what you can do your self...
If there is any lobe wear showing now it is not worth trying to polish it.

Jones Cams and most others are capable of analysing inspecting your cam but is it cost effective if that grind does exist as a catalog grind now and or VS just getting Crane Cams grinding you a new one (custom grind)
They have the masters....
Did you contact Crane Cams?

Did you do any self measurement/inspection?
Say on V blocks or in a block...?

lyonsperf · Post by **lyonsperf** » Mon Jul 22, 2019 4:14 pm

Yes I have the cam card.
The grind is no longer listed.
I may just have a new cam ground using the specs.

Pete1 · Post by **Pete1** » Mon Jul 22, 2019 6:59 pm

You have several alternatives.

1 - Buy a new cam with similar specs from Mike Jones.
2 - Buy a new cam from Mike with a modern grind that will do what you want it to.
3 - Have your core reground to something Mike says you need for your application.. (assuming the core is salvageable)

DO NOT try using it by just polishing the lobes, even with new lifters. You might get away with that on a stock or very mild cam, but it is a recipe for disaster on a performance grind.
Remember, a lost lobe or lifter means a COMPLETE teardown/rebuild, right down to acid stripping the block.

As for straightening cams, cast iron cams are straightened by peening. NEVER in a press.
Steel cams can be straightened by peening, localized heating and cooling or in a press.

PRH · Post by **PRH** » Mon Jul 22, 2019 8:27 pm

If you just “have to have” that same exact grind, I’m sure Crane still has the masters and could grind one for you.

That was always a pet peave of mine with Crane.
They’d come up with some new grind, then assign a preexisting part number to it.
I never understood that logic.
It’s not like they ran out of numbers.

They’ve done it with some valve springs as well.
Different springs, different pressures and rates....... same part number.

lyonsperf · Post by **lyonsperf** » Mon Jul 22, 2019 9:47 pm

When did they move to MS?
Website doesn't show my p/n as avilable even in the new grind.

F-BIRD'88 · Post by **F-BIRD'88** » Mon Jul 22, 2019 10:53 pm

Post the specs of the cam card you have.
And the grind number.
And what ever is stamped on the end of your camshaft.

midnightbluS10 · Post by **midnightbluS10** » Mon Jul 22, 2019 11:01 pm

They sell em everywhere if this is the cam you're talking about that you can't find

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/crn-113841

Its had those same specs since at least 2005.

If that's not the correct PN that I've posted, please disregard this post.

Krooser · Post by **Krooser** » Mon Jul 22, 2019 11:42 pm

lyonsperf wrote: ↑Mon Jul 22, 2019 9:47 pm When did they move to MS?
Website doesn't show my p/n as avilable even in the new grind.

Must be when Comp bought them...

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