Tried adjusting the valve clearance for the first time since we brought our '70 1500 Beetle. All fine until I got to inlet valve on cylinder 3, found a cap sitting over the end of the valve (not fitted to any of the other valves), and a clearance of approx 1.5mm. Removed rocker gear, and push rods, they are all the same length, although this one is now burred where the rocker arm has been rubbing on it due to the angle. The push rod appears to move in and out a similar amount as the others (by eye not measured), it is just much further in the engine. Am I right in assuming the camshaft is almost certainly badly worn?
No.3 inlet valve with cap

Cap

No 3 inlet and exhaust push rods

As I assume the engine is beyond a simple quick repair, anyone know of a good running engine for sale possibly with good swinging arm box as I suppect that is in poor condition as well. Really need to get the car on the road in the next few weeks, as other half is having to hire a car instead at the moment.

Thanks Rob

Yes,
I would say that is one very badly worn camshaft...
it seems that there wasn't enough thread on the adjuster screw so they added the cap...

a shoddy job...

Lee

PS: the camshaft isn't the expensive bit...lol
having the engine rebuilt is...

THEN AGAIN... THE OTHER SIDE SHOULD BE THE SAME???
Have You checked Number ONE INLET ???

LEE

Yes that is pretty ugly.
At TDC setting position, it is likely the cam follower(lifter) only/as well.

It is rare, but some times the pushrod can be pounded into the cam follower,
also doing as you see. Lifter cups can restore this.
They are designed to add a hardened cup within the stock cam follower for high performance springs.

More than likely though, your cam followers are worn down on the actual face that rubs on the lobe.

Quick fix?
I would not recommend it...
but if I was in your boat broken down, I would fit a longer push rod or 'lifter cup' to get me home.

Best get that engine rebuilt, or a replacement asap.

This^^
Gotta be a dodgy lifter.

If the lobe was farked you would get the same problem on the #1 inlet aswell.

Is the whole engine Mexican or just the heads?

Thanks for the comments, I did wonder if it could be a lifter rather than the camshaft itself, I assume the engine still needs to be split to get to the lifters.
Joel, I have not spotted any other Mexican markings on the engine, where should I be looking? Are there known problems with Mexican engines?

I'm just wondering if it's one of those new Mexican crate engines.

I have a gut feeling but not 100% sure though that they might have Hydraulic lifters.

Maybe that one has busted a valve or seal, spring etc and some old school VW mechanic thinking it has solid lifters has done a band aid fix.

Those crate engines have no engine number under the gen stand but usually have Mexico stamped on the bottom right of the case where this one says Brazil behind the thermostat.

Joel, Found it, it is just like the image you have posted, made in Brazil. Plus it does have an engine number under the Gen.

Well after a long time off due to family issues I am back working on the Beetle, I have the engine out and stripped, I have found out the cause of the valve clearance issues as we exected the follower was at fault, see images below, contact face is completely missing. I had heard a rumour that the garage that used to work on the car know that it was the follower, so I assume they must have found the remains in the stariner.




The rest of the engine looks to be in reasonable condition, the camshaft and the main bearings are badly worn, but crankshaft looks to be very good suprisingly. I would like to take the major parts of this engine, (and those of the spare engine that had brought to replace this one, but ended up being in even worse condtion), to a machineshop to be inspected, new bearing fitted, and machined if required. Can anyone recommend where I should take them ideally Southside Brisbane. I am only planning on a fairly standard engine, probably only new barrels and pistons 1641cc. Unless anyone has any cheap ideas.
I am also interested in having the swinging arm gearbox rebuilt, again any recommendations? or would I be better buying a new Rancho box?

time for a new cam and followers together with heads pistons n barrels

you need a FULL rebuild

Give Craig a call at crank shaft engineering at Browns Plains, he will be able to grind your crank if required and have any other work carried out for you, i use them all the time.