Oil spray on cam
 

I have not owned my 1981 300SD for more than a year and I am still trying to understand a few things so forgive if this a stupid question. Today I removed the oil filler cap and looked at oil spraying onto the cam and noticed that it's not in line with the part/lob that moves the rocker arm. The 1st one looks kinda OK (i'll go check again cause it's not easy to see) but the 2nd one is off center for sure. Is that right? I would have expected it to be right in the middle.

How far off center?

It's spraying right in the edge, where the shiny part ends.

The spray tube has I believe a guiding hole so it should only fit one-way. The rockers are on the manifold side of the head, so I it could spray to that side but rotation is in the other direction.

I would check it when you adjust the valves- remove it and make sure the wholes are clean and reinstall. Can't take but 15 minutes and the peace of mind is worth it!

I've done similar things for peace of mind which many cannot understand.

Michael

One more question: Is the oil from the the spray tube supposed to luburicate the cam as it comes out or does the spray tube just deliver a certain quantity of oil to a certain general location where it collects and the cam is lubricated as it rotates in the collection area.

Thanks.

Oil holes should spray the camshaft and there are oil holes to provide direct lubrication to the camshaft towers. You should get a thin coating of oil on the backside(top) of the camshaft.

Never checked one running...


Michael

Thank you very much samiam4, there is a thin layer of oil on the cam. Thanks again for your time and knowledge.

Mine lines up pretty close to the center of the lobe...course if you have SOME oil on there you have enough...doesn't have to be drenched.
I too have been curious of what goes on inside there...sadly my blowby makes removing that cap an uhappy experience.