John Deere A cam

[MikinInd]

Is it worthwhile sending the cam out to
have it checked out and reground if
needed? I didn't realize how much was
involved in removing it. The tractor is
coming just about all the way down for
a rebuild anyway and I'd like to know
that its good to go for the long haul.
Not sure how prone these are to wear.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Mike Aylward]

It is a fair job to remove the cam but if you are close to it anyway then it's good practice to have it "trued up". Many cams were not entirely accurate when new. Get the followers done at the same time. Mike

 

[MikinInd]

Thanks for the info!

Any place in particular that does that kind of work that I should consider? How much should I plan to pay for this?

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

I just had a Buda cam welded and ground at Hart Machine Service, Cecil, Oh. They'll do all kinds of old stuff, just be prepared for sticker shock. Probable lots of other places that do JD cams.

 

[BushogPapa]

Have the valve timing events Improved for better breathing..Once done, there will be Over-Lap between the closing of the exhaust and the opening of the Intake valve, plus more lift at the valve..

One has to wonder how the 2-cylinder JD's made good power with NO over-lap and almost no valve Spring pressure...which invites Burnt Valves...

 

[johndeeregreg]

i just had the cam out of my 720 diesel ground for a mild puller. i sent it to berry cam service in Lester Prairie MN. it cost 276 to do the cam ($186) lifters ($10 each) and they had to do one weld, not sure where but they charged $35 for that and about $12 shipping. They told me 2 weeks to get it back, but i believe they got it on a Thursday or Friday and i got it back on the next Saturday. tractor seems to have more power but not sure how much more, haven't had a chance to get it on the dyno since i got it done, can hear the difference that's for sure. i think they charge the same for any 2 cyl cam so i would have them do a mild puller even if your not pulling it and everything else is stock. i do pull mine a little but it is all stock other than the cam grind.

should probably call before sending it to make sure you send everything they want and need, they wanted the gear and everything with mine. their number is 320-395-2377

 

[Mike Aylward]

I've had two done by Arnold's Motor Supply in Spencer, IA. Well pleased with the results. I would use them again or would try Murphy's Motor Works at Hallsville, MO. They have done work for me before and was pleased with them as well. Mike

 

[MSD]

Josh Blackburn in MI does a lot of JD puller cams. I don't have his number handy but you can google him.

 

[Mike M]

Well the cams are not overly prone to wear due to the slow engine speeds and low valve spring pressures. The cam bearings in that model ARE a trouble spot and sure should be given a close look. There are several places advertising now that do these old tractor cams so it might be worth sending off ?