Weird one here.
So, while doing timing, I removed the front intake-side camshaft cap to replace the cam seal and redo the pack sealant underneath the cap.
While cleaning the old pack sealant (mixed with old RTV mixed with a grey substance that's quite clearly Permatex "The Right Stuff" none of which was cleaned properly because the previous owner is a dumbass), I noticed a little grey ball. It looks like a bearing ball to me.
It's the right size, it's metal, and it was just sitting there as if it had been there the whole time. I never heard any distinctive tapping, and this would be a VERY weird place for it to land if it fell from somewhere. It's also smushed, it's not perfectly round anymore, but it feels like it used to be.
What could it be? Could it have been sitting in the cap and fallen out, could it be a strange sign of trouble that I don't know about (ex. literally having fallen out of a camshaft bearing), is it a normal piece of the cam cap that I just didn't know about, or is it most likely just something the previous owner dropped in there that ended up getting trapped inside for the next 7 years? Am I overthinking this? I just wanna make sure I'm doing my due diligence before moving on like nothing happened, I'm immensely confused here.
Also yes, yes, you're very funny for saying it's a blinker ball and my engine is about to explode if I don't put it back in the crankcase. For all others, thank you very much for your time!
It was sitting exactly here like this: Small bearing ball sitting on the intake-side where the cap meets the head The bearing ball in question:
In case you recognize me from a previous post about the same (beautiful) car, the answer to what was wrong was "Like, a lot, man". Previous owner REALLY fucked up. Missing bolts on the intake manifold, wiring tied together with duct tape and hope, MISSING BOLTS IN THE TIMING SYSTEM, and so much more fun stuff. Making a big video about it, expect to see that in another 5-7 business years.
The fact that it was running as well as it was is nothing short of a miracle and has thoroughly convinced me that the 2JZ is one of the best engines ever made, as if I needed help there. For reference, I just recently dealt with a Saturn Ion that went a bit over on its oil change and spun a bearing. This thing's been running with a misfire, an intake manifold leak, and bad wiring on the ignition coils, all of which are the previous owner's fault, with very little complaint. No comparison. Best car ever.
Pretty sure it was just a bead of solder. I can get automotive hypochondria pretty badly lol.
Car runs amazing after putting it back together, so it wasn't anything important. Busy as hell so I haven't gotten the chance to put that video together yet, but y'know, eventually lol
