The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

I'm getting a rattle when I accelerate or decelerate at 3000+ revs.

I suspect bottom end but decided to have a quick look at the camshaft.

As can be seen below, one of the bearing journals is badly scored. The head is similar but the camshaft itself is relatively OK.

Obviously this is not good but my question is would this cause the symptoms that I have been getting.

I have also been told that it could be the flexplate.

That looks like the shells have been spinning in the con rod.

Look no further for the cause of your symptoms! Flex plate failure is accompanied by a higher, tinny tinkling noise, more noticeable on idle - and ultimately by total failure to turn over on the starter!

You are unfortunately going to need a crank grind, new shells and very possibly a replacement conrod for the affected cylinder. Or another engine!

Steve

I think he means the pics are of the camshaft shells?

What are the others like and is the camshaft shaft journal scored as well?

See what others here say . At a push you can get it line bored and see if there are some white metal bearings to suit (have seen this done on a tr6). Could also just see with some plastigauge the clearance and decide if the cap is scrap or useable, but after checking everything look to make sure the oil galleries are clear and can flow oil freely.
I've recently stripped mine, and was surprised at the gloopy old burnt oil inbetween the oilways and followers. Not a hugley difficult job to strip the valve year down and clean. Good time to check the oilways was well...

Steve that's a cam bearing journal mate....

I dont think that's the cause of the noise being pretty typical cam journal wear.

I reckon you have a timing chain on the way if its 80k miles or more, nut worth taking off the fan belt and eliminating anything outside the
engine first.

Jonners

Massive D'oh moment

In my holiday befuddled state I thought I was looking at a big end cap with the shell removed!

Never mind, i'm sure i'll get better!

Steve

I agree with Jon that that is typical light scoring as would be found on any Dolly cam cap and nothing to worry about. Just keep the change the oil regularly and expect to find the timing chain as the culprit.

Of course if the big ends are loose and causing the rattle it will also have lower oil pressure which in turn starves the already inefficient supply to the cam journals. I'd have the shells out of it to be sure.

Tony