Hi-

The camshaft on my 92 accord broke into two piece and needs to be replaced. I am wondering if it would be easier if I just find an used or new camshaft and replace it without taking cylinder head out? Or would it be better if I replace the whole cylinder head? I am looking at two cylinder heads at a junk yard that I could just take out camshaft or take the whole cylinder head. My cylinder head has 160 k miles on it? The car is in good shape otherwise. Any suggestions?

Thanks-

Jim

 

You could try replacing just the camshaft first (it's not hard), but since it broke (and I'm assuming it was running, of course), then you're running the risk of bent valves on the cylinders for the part of the camshaft that broke opposite side of the sprocket. If that's the case, then a new (used) head would probably be the best way to go. I got a camshaft at the junkyard for $11, so for that cheap it might be worth your while to try that first before you go ripping the head off. If it doesn't run right, then replace the head.

Sounds like a good time for a cam regrind

 

"broke opposite side of the sprocket" - yes it broke on the opposite side of the sprocket. And a mechanic at a honda dealership said that it got 'messed' up at valve area also. I was not sure if he was trying to make fast money, but seems that he was saying exactly what you just said. It looks like that it may be easier for me just to replace the cylinder head than to fiddle with an used camshaft, only to replace cylinder head eventually.

I am not sure what you mean with cam regrind? I was thinking of taking a cylinder head from the junkyard to a machine shop for inspection. Would that be a good way to do it? Could I just putting cyl head from junkyard without taking it to a shop for inspection, resurface and clean up?

Or if I just get the camshaft from a junkyard and put it on the cylinder head, then take the whole head to the machine shop and have them check, fix, clean up and regrind, if necessary? Would it be cheaper this way? (10 dollars for the camshaft plus machine shop labor and maybe a couple of new valve stems?) I have no idea but what do you think?

Thanks

Jim

 

Cams are much easier to change than to pull a head.

 

and cheaper, and you can up the performance while j00 are at it.

 

The valves are probably bent. I'd go with a used head or with 160k on the odometer; an engine would be a good choice.