missing part for cylinder head

[dogvila]

so i got a little problem. have a 1997 camry with 130,000 miles on it. took the head off my car to change the head gasket of course i took the cams off of the head and the caps that hold the cam on. Well i had them all set out in neat little labeled bags with the bolts and the hole bit. So now my problem, my little shit dog broke the doggy door cover that keeps her out of the garage and got a hold of the number 3 exhaust cap and i cant find it anywhere. found the bolts that hold it down outside but no cap. can i purchase a new cap and just replace it or is that a no go? any advice on how to solve the problem?

[dogvila]

come on anyone?

[chronoti]

ya just buy a new one then you have to check clearances and maybe get some machining done if not in spec

[71Corolla]

You could get several from a wreckers, bolt it up and check the clearances. I've done this before with main bearings, I was able to get a cap that fit and the clearances were bang on. If that doesn't work, your only option is the dealer.

The good thing about going to a wreckers is (here at least) there are often dozens of engines untouched, I rarely see people even crack the valve cover.

[73sport]

Not that I recomend this but; in your case yah gotta do what ya gotta do. Those caps are line honed in place in that head to get the spec needed for proper oil clearance.

Go with a selection of used caps from the bone yard. Clean everything so its spotless. Oil the Exhaust cam and install it. Torque to spec in steps. In between each step confirm the cam turns. When you reach full torque AND it still turns repeat on the Intake. Are they the same turning torque?

NOW, remove the cam and clean everything. Inset some "plastigage" of the proper size to check the clearance. Assmble the Exhaust cam dry with plastigage and confirm the oil clearance is with in spec!

Sound good? There are fixes for too little and too much. PM if you like.

Q? Where does the cams oil feed come from? Is it an END Cap or the #3 cap? If its #3, be sure to get the right clearance!

Hint, I can't imagine you can buy this cap from the dealer unless the head comes with it, but I could easily be wrong!

EDIT: Bad - Dawg!

[dogvila]

haha, definately bad dawg...soon to be homeless dog..only kidding. back to the topic, after about 2 hours of searching its looking like i am going to have to go down to the piknpull and get me some caps...you all seem to be pretty knowledgable so i ask you, do you know what years of car used that same head that i can pull the caps off of?

[dogvila]

well thanks for everyones advice but thank goodness i found the cap after a couple hourse of hunting through the back yard!