7.3 Camshaft Failure

[toad]

Looking at a truck for sale local. The owner says that the camshaft is shot. Not the sensor but the cam itself. Anybody heard of this? Truck has 260k

[southern7.3]

Nope, how would he know?

What I mean is what has he done to determine that the camshaft is broke

[backwoodsboy]

Never heard of a camshaft failure in a 7.3
Is he talking about the camshaft itself, or the camshaft bearings?

[madpogue]

Or maybe the cam gear (it's gear-driven)? Is the cam timing off somehow? Is the camshaft not turning at all?

[Patrick Feeley]

I've heard of a few problems with cams taking out the CPS. Whether that is due to the cam thrust surface or the bearings I do not know, but that's the only type of failures I've read about on the various forums through the years. Cheers!

[1Dieselman]

I've dealt with a few camshaft failures (only one powerstroke) and what can happen is the lifter retainer breaks and the roller lifter turns side ways and wipes the cam and lifter.

[backwoodsboy]

Dieselman what kind of numbers was that guys putting down? And mileage on the truck?
I'm thinking you'd need some serious power or wear to kill a lifter retainer...

[1Dieselman]

Under 300 hp with 180k miles. Don't know why it broke there was no clear reason. Was well maintained and never abused but I've seen it happen on lots of engines diesel and gas.

[backwoodsboy]

Yeah I've seen it happen to hopped up gassers, just haven't heard of a Powerstroke having this issue until now.

[1Dieselman]

That is what was going on in this thread Rough running, white smoke Hopefully caught it before it damaged the cam.