Camshaft Sprocket Help

[therris]

88 Festiva LX 5 spd manual with 130k miles.

Couple months ago the car died. Since then I've moved and gotten to working on it. The camshaft sprocket mounting bolt had snapped, so I figured I'd just replace the sprocket and all would be well. When I got all of it off I noticed some damage to the camshaft end where the sprocket mounts, as well as to the sprocket itself.

Is this a symptom of a bigger problem?

Even if it is just the sprocket, should I be concerned with the damage to the camshaft end or is that just the result of someone getting too hammer happy when putting in that dowel?

Any advice or similar situation?

[monkeyracing]

I'd be looking for a replacement camshaft at this point. Now it's just cracked, but it could pop completely at any time. Can't really say how it happened, but I'd guess poor installation technique.

[therris]

Thinking about it, the area of the inner sprocket that looks rubbed could have gotten that way from after the bolt snapped. I tried to start the car repeatedly after it died initially, and the sprocket didn't fall off the cam shaft until I took off the timing belt cover. The repeated starting could have damaged the inner sprocket the way it is right now.

I agree with the camshaft crack. I'll start looking for another one along with the sprocket. Thanks.

[festivalife]

The exact same thing happened in my '90 Festiva-(200K miles); had the first timing belt replaced back at 110K miles. The pictures really help; thanks! Maybe the camshaft bolt needs to be replaced with each timing belt renewal. By the way, the current timing belt is in good shape but will replace it along with the camshaft replacement.
Have a second Festiva used for parts; '88 carbed at 140Kmiles. Would it make any sense to just use my parts car's camshaft assembly including the sprocket and center bolt? Or would this be a huge mistake as no two engines wear the same way so the used parts are a dangerous replacement source?

[CharlieZ]

What the.....? Is that a stamped steel sprocket? Looks like a cupcake mold. Stupid question: Do all B3s have the same cog wheel?

[hawkdoc60]

What the.....? Is that a stamped steel sprocket? Looks like a cupcake mold. Stupid question: Do all B3s have the same cog wheel?

Both of my engines do. Also, if you make the mistake I did and whack on the cam sprocket to break the head loose from the block, the sprocket WILL deform.

[festivalife]

Are ya'll saying that IF the camshaft Is Not Cracked then it's enough to just replace the cam timing cog and center bolt ? My timing cog is not damaged at all. The center bolt's head is sheared off but I can rotate the engine freely via the crank bolt in either direction. Timing belt is good, but am planning to replace it with new as it's near the 90K mile mark. And is there any standard check or test to determine any damage to the camshaft even if I take it all apart? If there is what exactly would it be, how done?
Though I've never done this I feel like it's do-able with the Haynes, and Festiva shop manual and all the help you guys give here .

[jglutz]

At first I'm thinking that the cam ran like that without leaking oil....WOW...but then I'm thinking not for long. The cams are made form iron and then heat treated...they do not handle fractures well...or atleast not for long.

It appears that the fracure occured by in proper installation of the sprocket...the pin and hole where not aligned. The sprocket then pushed the pin deeper intto the cam causing the fracture.

[econoaddict]

Last one I had that did that was a camshaft seized in the head.

Make sure the cam still rotates before going much further.

[festivalife]

Well, that's a relief then; thank you both jgultz and econoaddict. It's reassurring to hear from experienced Festiva owners. Looks like all I'm going to need is that cog's center bolt.
Outside of normal wear any reason why this cog's center bolt just shears off?
As for the center cog bolt any sources you both might reccomend? Napa?

[FB71]

Well, that's a relief then; thank you both jgultz and econoaddict. It's reassurring to hear from experienced Festiva owners. Looks like all I'm going to need is that cog's center bolt.
Outside of normal wear any reason why this cog's center bolt just shears off?
As for the center cog bolt any sources you both might reccomend? Napa?

actually, I think what they're saying is that you need a new cam, sprocket and bolt. And that would be the correct repair. Any fracturing of the camshaft dictates replacement.

[festivalife]

actually, I think what they're saying is that you need a new cam, sprocket and bolt. And that would be the correct repair. Any fracturing of the camshaft dictates replacement.

What you're saying makes sense; the only specific question I have is, since I have no crack or damage in my cam or sprocket why would this indicate replacing the cam and sprocket?

[juryrigger007]

If you can get the sheared original bolt off, without damaging the cam, then go for it. I'd be really concerned, about the bolt shearing off in the first place.

Scott

[festivalife]

If you can get the sheared original bolt off, without damaging the cam, then go for it. I'd be really concerned, about the bolt shearing off in the first place.

Scott

I have been wondering as to the "whys" and "causes of this" too. Replacing that bolt was my direction until I had to loosen the crankbolt-(couldn't get it to loosen up by hand)- until using the touch of the starter with the wrench against the side of the engine mount and fitted over the crankbolt; oh, and then using an 18" pipe over the combo wrench end for leverage.
This move sheared off the little nub on the cam's end that the timing cog locks into. Can we say cam replacement now.