Metal in the tappet screen
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,935
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From: poway
The shard is pointing up a little in the hand but.. It has to be part of the tappet screen hole.. That would not go through the pump so it had to have some in during assembly / disassembly.. Screen cover, or part of the threaded hole..
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 27
Likes: 12
From: Netherlands
It was on the inside of the tappet screen, so in that case it must indeed have fallen in during assembly.
But it was not the only metal found, there was some tiny debris in the screen also.
Guess I also have to research how I can get inside the oilpump and check things there as mentioned above.
But it was not the only metal found, there was some tiny debris in the screen also.
Guess I also have to research how I can get inside the oilpump and check things there as mentioned above.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,935
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From: poway
Could be but it looks like the piece is facing up.. In that case the radius would appear larger..
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 27
Likes: 12
From: Netherlands
So I got the crankcase apart, and all looks well, no teeth missing on sprockets, the (probably original?) bearing looks fine.
But I just did notice in indent in the case where the washer with ears hits it:
Washer location:
I can put my nail in there, it is probably 1mm deep.
Is this normal?
But I just did notice in indent in the case where the washer with ears hits it:
Washer location:
I can put my nail in there, it is probably 1mm deep.
Is this normal?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 2,228
From: College Station, TX
I've seen marks there, but not dug in like that. I'd check the face of the cam bushing in the cover for wear and any sign of overheating in case the cam end play was too tight.
And, you need to replace that INA cam bearing as those things are prone to fail. That is something that is usually done when the cam is upgraded.
If the breather is a plastic, you should replace it with a metal one. The plastic breathers will warp and damage the breather bore. You will need to check and set the end play on the new breather too.
Paul
And, you need to replace that INA cam bearing as those things are prone to fail. That is something that is usually done when the cam is upgraded.
If the breather is a plastic, you should replace it with a metal one. The plastic breathers will warp and damage the breather bore. You will need to check and set the end play on the new breather too.
Paul
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,426
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From: NC USA
Look on the (inside) end of the cam and tell us what is stamped on it.
Looks like the cam has been hitting the case and that winged washer wasn't used after '90. Makes me think someone has been in there.
Looks like the cam has been hitting the case and that winged washer wasn't used after '90. Makes me think someone has been in there.
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 27
Likes: 12
From: Netherlands
Apart from 'N' it does not say anything:
If anyone has been in there, then why would you not replace the original bearing but place a washer that does not belong there
I have the new bearing, here, ready to be placed.
I still need to order a new breather valve and lifters but they are expensive here and I will travel to Las Vegas next month, so I hope to find an address there where I can purchase them.
If anyone has been in there, then why would you not replace the original bearing but place a washer that does not belong there
I have the new bearing, here, ready to be placed.
I still need to order a new breather valve and lifters but they are expensive here and I will travel to Las Vegas next month, so I hope to find an address there where I can purchase them.
Last edited by Fate; Jan 13, 2026 at 12:32 PM.