Is my camshaft going to cause issues?

[Violet]

Hi everyone!

I had to take the engine apart on my SL350 K2 because something was just wrong and I wasn’t sure exactly what but I thought it may be cam chain related. I got in there and the cam chain tensioner/guide was completely chowdered and not keeping the chain centered, the chain had even cut some grooves into the engine body. I replaced the chain and the tensioner bits, replaced the gaskets and am in the process of reassembling the engine.

Here’s where I’m having a worry… the cam shaft I’m noticing now is pretty grooved at each end. When I was about to put the cam case side covers on I noticed that each of them has a significantly worn divet on one side of the hole. (Top side on both left and right covers). Is this normal wear for these parts?

Basically I want to know if these are ok to assemble as is, and try running the bike or if you all foresee this causing significant problems for me. Here are some photos of the damage!

 

[bilbikek411]

Good thing you pulled it apart;don't run it with that damage.
The "divet" cut-out area around the hole on each side is normal,but the worn places are not.
There are folks on here who have installed custom roller bearings on those,but I don't know/don't remember who they are,at this moment.

We need to help you diagnose the lack of oil flow on those two camshaft bearings.
I would follow the diagram from the Honda shop manual and trace the path of the oil flow all the way from the pump and look for the place where the flow is being held back. Look at the pump first.
How do your camshaft lobes and rocker arms look ?

 

[Boomer343]

Those cam case covers are toast. Usually the points side is worse as it is the furthest away from the oil pump.

I have done the ball bearing conversion on the camshaft but it does require experience with lathes and working to close tolerances.

Look for material transfer from the cam covers to the camshaft, I would suggest taking some 220 wet paper to it and cleaning it up before condemning it.

If the timing chain parts were that worn you probably have damage to the upper case where the tension unit pivots and if so it will affect the longevity/operation of the parts.

For the oil problem, worn arm for the oil pump piston, worn pump, plugged screen, missing oil rings on covers and filter, transfer piece issues, debris in passages, missing/torn gasket on side cover. Low oil and idling the engine on the side stand.

 

[MrPepper]

As above posts, cam and bearing aren't usable as is. If it were me, I would pick up a replacement camshaft and bearing and make sure all oil paths are clean and clear and follow boomers list too. It isn't normal to have that amount of wear in a normal 350 engine

 

[LongDistanceRider]

If need be Oregon Cam Grinding can make a SL K1-2 camshaft from a good CB/CL 350 cam. I mention this because finding that cam in good condition can be a problem, lots of beat up ones.

 

[ballbearian]

Those cam case covers are toast. Usually the points side is worse as it is the furthest away from the oil pump.

I have done the ball bearing conversion on the camshaft but it does require experience with lathes and working to close tolerances.

Look for material transfer from the cam covers to the camshaft, I would suggest taking some 220 wet paper to it and cleaning it up before condemning it.

If the timing chain parts were that worn you probably have damage to the upper case where the tension unit pivots and if so it will affect the longevity/operation of the parts.

For the oil problem, worn arm for the oil pump piston, worn pump, plugged screen, missing oil rings on covers and filter, transfer piece issues, debris in passages, missing/torn gasket on side cover. Low oil and idling the engine on the side stand.

Excellent assessment. Crank should get a thorough clean out too, and cases.

 

[Violet]

Thank you for your quick replies! I think I’ll get new/used side bearings as they’re not too much money. I’ll look for a cam shaft, sad to find out it’s only the K1 and K2s with that version… I may try to clean it up as suggested and use it. It’s not super deeply grooved when I feel with my fingernail.

I never thought about the oil delivery before but that seems like my next step while I wait for these parts to show up. I’ll get the filter cleaned out and make sure the paths are clear!

 

[LongDistanceRider]

Thank you for your quick replies! I think I’ll get new/used side bearings as they’re not too much money. I’ll look for a cam shaft, sad to find out it’s only the K1 and K2s with that version… I may try to clean it up as suggested and use it. It’s not super deeply grooved when I feel with my fingernail.

I never thought about the oil delivery before but that seems like my next step while I wait for these parts to show up. I’ll get the filter cleaned out and make sure the paths are clear!

That's why I mentioned Oregon Cam Grinding https://www.oregoncamshaft.com/
Another member, TundraTrader, broke is new K1 camshaft. He supplied it to Oregon Cam to make a master and also had a CB350 cam reground to the K1 profile at the same time.
You want the CB/CL K3-K5 version if you do this.

 

[bilbikek411]

Reply #6 has very good advice also,about the oil-ways inside the crankshaft may be clogged-up.
I hope it is not,but the only way to know for certain will be a complete tear-down of the engine;it will help to remove all the hidden dirt,foreign matter underneath the lower 'tray' at the bottom,especially if you want the engine to be 100% happy and operate smoothly for another 40+ years.
Do you want a Winter project ?
I look forward to hear what you find in the centrifugal spinner/filter.