Tractor Repair: TO-35 camshaft bushings/bearings, camshaft lobes, telescoping gauge

Question
Greetings: How can one determine if a TO-35 with Z134 continental engine will need to be line-bored if bushings were not installed in the original configuration.  I'd like to get all the parts before I tear the engine down.

Answer
Hello,

  To determine if there is too much clearance between the camshaft and the bores, you would have to measure the inside diameter of the camshaft bores with a telescoping gauge and micrometer, and measure the journals of the camshaft with a micrometer.  This will tell you if the camshaft needs to be replaced, or if the block needs to be line bored and cam bushings installed, or both.  I do not have access to the specs on this engine to determine what these measurements should be, and what the wear limit is.  Possibly a MF or Agco dealer or engine machine shop can assist you with that.  There are camshaft bushing kits available, but you will need to find these specs first so you can determine if it needs to be done, or take the engine to a machine shop and let them check it.  They usually don't get much wear because the camshaft only turns half the engine speed, and there is not much pressure against the camshaft like there is on the crankshaft.  The camshaft lobes and lifters usually wear out first.