First off I must say that this community is down right awesome. Thanks to everyone from the creators to the people that keep this site running. I recently purchased a 97 N/T talon with 176,000 for $500 because it had a loud knock. As soon as I got the car I pulled the oil pan and rod bearings hoping to replace them and drive, but #1 was really bad and I knew the crank was going to need to be turned. So I then decided on a complete rebuild but only replacing what needed done to keep this car overall cheap. Plan was to replace all the timing (belt, bearings, tensioner), water pump, oil pump, rod bearings, main bearings, and rings. The problem that I just found tonight happen when I was pulling the cams off the head. I found metal shavings on the cam under the caps. The cam journals (where the cams lays on the head) are groved along with the cam (only the exhaust side cam). My question is can a machine shop polish out the head? I can buy new cams if I have to I just don't want to have to buy a whole new head with cams as I am trying to keep the total cost of this car low. The rest of the motor looked really good for having that many miles. Main bears were good, cylinders and pistons both look good too. Please someone tell me I don't have to buy a new head. Thanks for the help.

<a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w113/BigToY43/?action=view¤;t=S6001916.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="" border="0" alt="Rod Bearing"></a>

<a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w113/BigToY43/?action=view¤;t=S6001907.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="" border="0" alt="Metal Shavings on Cam"></a>

<a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w113/BigToY43/?action=view¤;t=S6001908.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="" border="0" alt="Cam grooves"></a>

<a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w113/BigToY43/?action=view¤;t=S6001906.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="" border="0" alt="Cam Journal in head"></a>

A very skilled machinist can add material to scored cam caps and line bore it, but that'd cost more than its worth. I advise that you find a new head from a member here...

A machinest (even the best one) is not going to be willing to TIG a cam cap and bore it. Try calling a few.

Find a good used head.

If i find a head cheap, i'll pm you.

I will be venturing out to pull-a-part either this week or next week. I'm kinda swamped with side projects right now but i'll do what i can.

That's a hurt motor right there son...good luck

Well thanks everyone for the help. I guess its head searching time for me. :(

Originally posted by Tpratt43
Well thanks everyone for the help. I guess its head searching time for me. :(

PM sent

Damn dude that sucks call ur local junk yards see if they have any eclipse's with rear end damage or something.. I know there a few at the junk yard near me but im in PA. i can get a price for you if you would like, mabey they will ship a head. ill message you with a price tommorow.

I have a full head in great shape that I would let go of. PM me if you're interested.