Journal Bearing Steel Epoxy Repair?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the repair of a damaged camshaft journal bearing using epoxy resin, exploring various repair methods and their feasibility. Participants consider the implications of using epoxy, alternative repair strategies, and the potential consequences of different approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using epoxy resin to fill in the damaged journal surface and creating oil pockets to reduce wear during startup.
  • Another participant argues that epoxy lacks the necessary wear resistance and hardness for journal bearing applications, recommending a new camshaft instead.
  • Questions arise about the condition of the camshaft and whether it can be repaired or if only the bearing needs replacement.
  • Some participants discuss the feasibility of modifying the journal or using a bushing, but concerns about costs and tool availability are raised.
  • One participant shares an anecdote about successfully modifying a journal on a different engine, but acknowledges the risks involved.
  • There are suggestions to consider proper machining repairs or replacing the entire cylinder head as more reliable solutions.
  • Concerns are expressed about the potential failure of epoxy repairs and the risks of collateral damage to the engine.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with no consensus on the best approach to repair the journal bearing. Some advocate for epoxy use, while others strongly oppose it, emphasizing the need for proper repairs or replacement. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the efficacy of the proposed methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations such as the availability of appropriate bushings, the cost of machining, and the uncertainty surrounding the durability of epoxy repairs under operational conditions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to automotive repair enthusiasts, mechanics considering alternative repair methods, and individuals facing similar issues with journal bearings in engines.

Mechanitect
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A camshaft journal bearing was damaged due to oil starvation.
after camshaft is replaced.

Using a proper epoxy resin to fill in the damaged / pitted journal surface then honing the journal back to the standard size.

After that adding groves or small pits that would work as oil pockets increase the chances of this journal bearing to work?

I know most damage to the bearing is done during startup of engine, wouldn't having those groves or oil pockets protect the journal surface from contacting the camshaft and hence keeping it from getting damaged?

any input would help, thank you!
 
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No epoxy will have the wear resistance or hardness necessary to function as a journal bearing. I think it's time to buy a new camshaft, sorry.
 
"A camshaft journal bearing"
Is the camshaft damaged itself??
If not replace the bearing. If so how bad and can it be turned to save the shaft??
Such as shaft repair will also necessitate new bearings to the right size.
 
the epoxy will be applied to the journal bearing not the camshaft.
the camshaft is new.

the camshaft floats on a thin oil film that surrounds it, technically the only contact that happens is only during start up, and having tiny oil pockets will act as a lubricant during start up reducing wear. when the engine is running the camshaft never touches the surface of the bearing.


oh and the bearing is not removable, its a part of the cylinder head that was milled out.
 
How many other journals are there?

I've seen a guy who, when faced with a single galled journal on a toyota overhead cam engine, just ground the recess out such that it did not touch the camshaft at all since the cam had at 5 other bearings.

Then he plugged the oil gallery opening on that bearing.

I expected the cam to eventually break but that car came back for regular maintenance running fine for at least 2 years...not that you should try this yourself.

What is the model of engine?
 
only one bad journal, but its the one closest to the timing belt. also the biggest one.
there are i think four more.

that's a good idea but I think it might not work since this is the last journal and it would put a lot of stress on the camshaft

its a 2002 freelander 2.5 kv6

garbagetiest engine ever made
 
Could you bore out the journal and sleeve it, say with a bronze bushing or similar? If you can't find a bushing off the shelf with the right dimensions, you might make your own.
 
that was actually my first solution to the problem, sadly I can't find a bushing the size i need, getting one made would be far too expensive. and I don't have the tools to make one my own :(

there is another solution which is actually the most correct way to do it and its to weld the gauges and scrapes then re-hone the bearing... sadly again i don't have the right tools.


I might in the end have to buy another cylinder head :(
 
What diameters do you have and what length of journal? I suspect there's something 'off the shelf' that would fit. Have you looked?

I would guess that having one made is going to run $50 to $100, give or take. If I had to have one made I'd make up a sketch (include tolerances and make it look semi-professional) and go out to a few machine shops in the area and get some quotes. Some won't touch it because there's not enough money in it, but I suspect you can find a shop that likes helping people out like yourself and will give you a fair price.
 
  • #10
great idea.

I looked over the shelf and couldn't find the right size, since I need to hone the damaged areas and I can hone only so much. hence I'm judged by the depth of damage and not a standard bearing depth.

I could get one machines, except I also need to hone the journal and that will cost me another $100 - $150 since I don't have the tools.

eventually I think I'd be better off buying a used cylinder head...

I really wanted to save this head, but there's no way I can tell if the epoxy filling will stand the pressure. I can't afford to put everything back together only for it to go bad the first 5 minutes of running haha!

new head it is... sadly
 
  • #11
Mechanitect said:
I really wanted to save this head, but there's no way I can tell if the epoxy filling will stand the pressure.

It won't. And sorting out the collateral damage from bits of epoxy getting into places they aren't supposed to be (oilways, valve guides, piston rings, etc) might cost you a lot more than a "conventional" fix for the problem.
 
  • #12
Now that we know it's the bearing closest to the cam gear, we can deduce it is a critical bearing and under far more force than the rest.

Unless it's a cylinder for a sohc ford 427, a boss 429, or a rare ferrari, I would believe it should be replacable.
 
  • #13
In order of preference, replace the head, repair it properly (proper machine shop job), or buy a new engine. Don't mess about with epoxy on critical features like bearings.
 
  • #14
Thank you so much for the help people, I was really in a pickle for this one but you really confirmed all my doubts, I don't know where i would be without your advice!
 
  • #15
At the side of the road, waiting for the recovery waggon probably.
 

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