cam

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

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3958v
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Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 12:00 am

cam

Post by 3958v »

I have had 2 cams go bad in 1000 hrs on my C145 and was wondering how common a problem this is. The first one went bad after the engine sat for some time but the second one a brand new one with new followers only lasted 600 hrs. This time the problem is on the front lobes may or may not be significant. Bill K
Polished 48 170 Cat 22 JD 620 & Pug
c170b53
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Re: cam

Post by c170b53 »

Was the cam for a front cylinder? Was it the same cam lobe? Just wanted a few more details before throwing my dart :D
Jim McIntosh..
1953 C170B S/N 25656
02 K1200RS
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blueldr
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Re: cam

Post by blueldr »

It almost sounds like a lack of lubrication on that part of the cam, but would the haudraulic lifter unit even pump up if the lube was somehow blocked off?
BL
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Re: cam

Post by ghostflyer »

Did some one check the push rod length and part number .
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3958v
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Re: cam

Post by 3958v »

The lobe that went was the same on both cams. Blueldr might be on to something with the lifter as the engine sometimes would run slightly rough for a few miniutes after start up. I could never put my finger on the roughness as it was not related to the mags as it was slightly rough on right, left or both. I dont have the second cam out but I checked the first one and the lobe that was starting to go was 5 thousanths under the other lobes. The lobe was the front lobe. Bill K
Polished 48 170 Cat 22 JD 620 & Pug
c170b53
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Re: cam

Post by c170b53 »

Number six cylinder would have been my guess. How did you know you had an issue?
Jim McIntosh..
1953 C170B S/N 25656
02 K1200RS
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3958v
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Re: cam

Post by 3958v »

The mechanic found the problem while changing out a cylinder with low compression. Have you seen more problems with # 6? Any recomendations for avoiding this in the future. Changing cams too often takes a lot of the fun out of flying!!!! Bill K
Polished 48 170 Cat 22 JD 620 & Pug
hilltop170
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Re: cam

Post by hilltop170 »

I wonder if front cam lobes going bad is a generic Continental 6-cylinder problem? I had the same thing happen to the front 3 lobes on the O-520 in my C-180 at 1000hr smoh. There were no symptoms and were found on removal of Millenium cylinders for a mandatory AD.
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Richard Pulley
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
2023 Best Original 170A at Sault Ste. Marie
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
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3958v
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Re: cam

Post by 3958v »

Finally got back in the air today. So far very happy with the job Aero Engines of Winchester VA did on my engine. He recommmended regrinding my cam as he felt that it was better than a new one. While the 170 was down I got a chance to fly in a Cherokee 235 and a 172. Have to say I would much rather fly our 170s!!! Bill K
Polished 48 170 Cat 22 JD 620 & Pug
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