Cracked Cam Journals

[gsatterw]

Hey everyone. I swapped out my valve cover gasket to discover my right cylinders intake and exhaust cam journal caps are cracked. I've read some other threads on this issue, but there seems to be no consensus. 

Has anyone's engine blown up because of this?

Hep!

Graham

[adidasguy]

If you want to try, here is a set on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1990-90-Suzuki-GS500e-GS500-e-GS-500-Engine-Cylinder-Head-Camshaft-Journal-Caps-/200824005507?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ec20b2383&vxp=mtr

Might have to ignore the letters and try each one - carefully feeling where the journal meets the head for one where you do not feel where they meet.

[sledge]

You are taking a chance fitting mismatched caps and thats assuming they will fit in the first place. There needs to be a uniform clearance between the cam journal and the cap. Too tight or misaligned and oil flow will be reduced and the cam will bind, too loose and the cam will rattle and bounce......neither is good

The way to check is by using Plastigauge

http://plastigauge.co.uk/how-plastigauge-works/

Not got a manual here so I cant quote the figures Suzuki recommend for service limits. I would guess its about 0.2mm max.