Camshaft Oil Spray Bar Redesign and Rebuild

[Phred]

As seen on HybridZ:

Larry Hassler and Chris Cox ( 626-485-1556 ) are selling billet aluminum spray bars. Unknown price, and I have not seen one in person. Just passing on info.

Phred

[Captain Obvious]

Maybe it's time for me to make another one or two spray bars? Are the tubes on yours OK?

As a new Z owner, I've finally had time to start tinkering with my 73' junker and sure enough ran into the dreaded bad cam oiler bar.

Yes, the block is cast, but despite that, I was able to bend mine a little and it did not crack. YMMV.

I believe all years up until they switched to the internally oiled cam used the same bar. Problem is I suspect that all of them suffer from the same issues and because of that, I'm not sure that a used bar is really a viable alternative.

As for having a machine shop make one for you? Ummm... You probably don't want to know. :tapemouth

[ChEng]

Captain, as to the design of the center bracket, how about making it a solid block. Then drill blind holes in it deep enough and a couple of thousandths larger in diameter than the tube so as to allow the tube to float in and out of the block. Then drill small holes in the ends of the oil distribution tubes to admit oil into the blind holes in the bracket block. This would allow a little lubrication to leak out into the head around the oil distribution tube. The oil would lubricate the tube inside the block, allowing for thermal expansion of the tube and cushioning the tube in the block against vibration. Not sure if this would totally solve the problem, or for how long, but it might be worth a try.

[newbzee]

Captain,

The tubes seem fine, not bent etc......it's really just that one block to the rear that's an issue. If I knew I had a plan B I'd give brute force a try. How did you bend yours. I was thinking about using a C-clamp and trying to press it flat from the middle.

[theczechone]

If you are interested, I have access and training in ProE, CATIA, and Solidworks. I could make a 3D model and provide detailed drawings.

[5thhorsemann]

I've looked into these a little bit, personally, I would rather have C.O.'s blocks and use the stock tubing in the stock position.

[5thhorsemann]

I've looked into these a little bit, personally, I would rather have C.O.'s blocks and use the stock tubing in the stock position.

sorry, see post 25

[newbzee]

I'm open to all options but I'm really trying to keep the cost reasonable. If I already had the CAD drawings/Works, I can see how much the shop will charge to machine it.

Thanks

[Captain Obvious]

I'm going to make a few more bars... Just sent out a couple PM's to people who have expressed interest.

If I knew I had a plan B I'd give brute force a try. How did you bend yours. I was thinking about using a C-clamp and trying to press it flat from the middle.

I'm not liking the sound of the C-clamp thing. I straightened mine in a quality bench vice with wide parallel smooth jaws.

Tell you what... I've got some spare original blocks left over from bars I've reconstructed. If you crack yours trying to straighten it, I'd be happy to send you a replacement.

[240260280z]

Thermal expansion of the single bar may tweak the cam towers.

[EhlersRS]

I took the oil spray bar off and took some photos to document the condition. The engine only has 91k miles on it and the aluminum distribution blocks are warped. The rear tube is misaligned the most, but even the front tube is angled slightly downward. All of the brass welds into the aluminum blocks are loose, but again the end tubes have the most play in them. The good news is none of the oil holes in the tubes are clogged!

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/member21096-albums547-55195.html

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/member21096-albums547-55194.html

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/member21096-albums547-55193.html

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/member21096-albums547-55192.html

Robert S.

[Captain Obvious]

Yup. That looks "normal". Are the distribution blocks wallowed out on the surfaces where they contact the cam tower? I've seen some pretty deep erosion in that spot from all the squirming. Can't be good for sealing the oil in at that joint...

Sent you a PM.