Farm Equipment - 190 xt cam problem

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190 xt cam problem

Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
Forum Description: everything about Allis-Chalmers farm equipment
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=209375
Printed Date: 16 Dec 2025 at 1:28pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: 190 xt cam problem

Posted By: 190xt MN
Subject: 190 xt cam problem
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2025 at 1:44pm

Hello I am overhauling my 190 xt and was wondering if anyone else had this problem. I had the block, head and crank sent into the machine shop, the cam was also sent along with everything else. I had them install new cam bushings, and we determined that the cam and lifters had enough wear they should be replaced. I ordered a cam and lifters from Abilene Machine. When I went to install the cam it would go in, but with some effort. I thought since maybe it was 50 degrees in the shop and I was using Lucas assembly lube maybe it was just some resistance from that. I went in a few journals and it was the same to try and push through. I pulled the cam out and went to town and picked up a 2 to 3 in micrometer which I didn’t have before. 3 of the cam journals measure 2.1314in and one measures 2.1308in. According to my book the max OD for a journal is 2.1310. The bearing ID measured 2.1331 and that only leaves me .0017 for oil clearance on 3 of them and .0023 clearance for the other which is in spec. What is the best course of action here. Do I send the cam to the machine shop and have them grind the 3 larger journals to match the smaller one? I’m just worried .0017 is a little too tight. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Replies:

Posted By: PaulB
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2025 at 2:17pm

I've never worked on a 190 engine, however many years ago I encountered the same issue on a Dodge 440 for my modified pulling tractor. Took it back to the machine shop and the HIGHLY SKILLED owner used a bearing knife to trim the bearings ever so slightly. Like so many other things in today's world, can you find someone that can do this?

Might be easier to set the cam in a lathe and polish the oversize journals.

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If it was fun to pull in LOW gear, I could have a John Deere.
Real pullers don't have speed limits.
If you can't make it GO... make it SHINY

Posted By: DrAllis
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2025 at 2:33pm

If it was mine........WD40 or comparable is the lube. Keep turning the cam in and out using this to gently wear in. I would finish with an electric drill still spraying WD40 in the oil holes and in/out on the cam. Make sure the rear cam bearing is installed/clocked correctly. I hope you have the 7/16" hex head bolt on the nose of the camshaft. *** Remember, these cam bearings are NOT pressure lubed !! They get a dribble of oil from the rocker arms making its way in by gravity on the way back to the crankcase, so they've got to have some room for oil to easily get into them.

Posted By: 190xt MN
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2025 at 3:42pm

Unfortunately I don’t have that cam. Mine was just the half moon key and it presses on. Thanks for the advice I’m going to give that a try. I was just a little nervous with the oil clearence that tight. Might still be able to rig something up with a drill.

Posted By: DrAllis
Date Posted: 15 Dec 2025 at 3:44pm

Technically, the new cam isn't made quite right. So, you have a legit beef with Abilene Machine. I just know how it is trying to stay on a schedule to get things done.