36 hp cam bearing question

chopped50ford · Post by **chopped50ford** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 9:35 pm

Are the cam bearings in a 36 hp motor the same through out the whole VW motor family? (bugs/buses - 36 hp, 40hp, 1500, 1600)

Basically, can I use typical (1600?) cam bearings for my 36 hp motor?

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 10:35 pm

Chopped 50 Unlike other series VWs the 36 horse used NO cam bearings period. Cheers. Bob Ingman

Post by **Marc** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 5:50 am

The early 40HP engines had no cambearings either (they first appeared in 9xxxxxx-series 1965 motors, the last year the 1200 was offered in the US). It was once common practice to remachine & recycle used cases to build factory-exchange engines - non-cambearing 40HP cases had just enough material to bore them out to accept inserts. I've never seen any with a thrust bearing though, just two "plain" shells on the rear journal.
I've never seen a 36HP case machined for cambearings, I don't think there'd be enough material remaining to make it feasible; but if your case does take bearing shells, odds are they'll be the same 111 198 541 (you may not need the thrust shell, but there'd be no problem trading straight across for one since hotrod engines often need double thrust bearings).

VW waterpumper cams have the same journal diameter so it's even possible to salvage a Rabbit head by machining it to accept aircooled cambearing inserts.

chopped50ford · Post by **chopped50ford** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 11:07 pm

wow didnt know that. If there is slop then the case is assumed bad?

Thanks!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 07, 2004 9:13 am

Bolt the case and cam together with a strip of red PlastiGage at each cam journal to check. The wear limit for radial play is .0047" (.002-.003" is still pretty good). Camshaft endplay shouldn't be more than .004".
http://www.dana.com/perfectcircle/Plastigage.htm
A worn case will cause low oil pressure, particularly at hot-idle, but the engine will still function - just make sure to use a good "tight" oil pump and use only the tissue-thin gasket between pump & cover.