#3 Cylinder Issue Returns :-(

Thanks for the update, from your other postings it ""sounded"" like the builder you're currently using was just guessing at the cam grind. Since Roland told you it was stock from the beginning, then changing it will be a good thing

Hi Leon.
I know what a "Mexicrate" is, but I'm not sure what you were trying to convey, since all Vintage motors are Mexicrates. In my case, the #3 exhaust valve started leaking, but the heads are actually decent heads and that could happen to any engine.
Troy

Troy......If the engine is a "Mexicrate", then It probably has a cast crank.(not the strongest).....Adding HP output (camshaft) might shorten it's life span....Just a thought based on past observations here, and on other sites.....

If your engine has the original crank, and the case is split to change the cam, a nice counterweighted, forged crank is the way to go. Like I said, it is only money.

Will, as many of us know, that's a slippery slope... :-)

Ron.
Why is it a slippery slope?

It is funny how one dollar follows another into the car, isn't it?
At least -- unlike guys with boats -- we can get use out of these things daily.

Troy, back to number three: I read a long time ago that there sometimes develops a crack in the case behind No. 3, and that the best way to detect it is with a torch and a dollop of grease. I have never tried that, and I'm not sure how good the advice is -- but have you ruled out a crack?
I know airplane mechanics use non-destructive testing involving flouorescent paint and UV or blacklights. Or X-rays, if you can sneak into the dentist's after hours ... ;)

Corey.....The torch trick takes an experienced hand.....too much heat could stress the case......The dye marker check used to be marketed under the name "Zyglow" Used a penetrating liquid you applied, then cleaned the area...You used an ultraviolet light to locate the dye seeping out of a crack..... Just a thought.

Corey, I know what you are referring to,it is discussed here,be very careful in sweating a case

http://www.thesamba.com/vw//forum/viewtopic.php?p=1873349

however using a torch on magnesium case..... not so good..... we used to have fires start up in the shavings built up under the Bridgeport mill when cleaning the decks from the case savers sparking. Shavings are easier to light but whole cases make incredible bon-fires.

Here is a video of a brain surgeon and Magnesium fire!

I forgot the magnesium Type-I thing. Yeah, maybe not such a good idea.
I'm on the same planet, but in a different world.

Greg, that little campfire there is job security for me! I love running calls where people do stupid things!

I thought you'd like that Corey, is it true all firemen are firebugs deep down? I know my cousin and both my boys and their cousins are camp-fire-fiends,we haven't done that (video) yet.Parent must have been happy about the car!

Some are, but most I've met are not. Personally, I'm an adrenaline junkie.

Say it ain't so!!!

Troy, for me it's a slippery slope because I'll fix something, then I'll see something else to fix, and while I'm fixing that I'll see something else, and on it goes.

Just get it all now and save on the UPS charges! Ask the builder what else he would recomend, not frivolous, just what he would consider prudent while in there now. Chances are this could be your only motor for a while...sounds like a good package already though...porting is a great idea :)

Hey Ron,
Does Rambo still live in Hope, or did he move to Harrison Hot Springs?