Camshaft Wear Thoughts
#1
Camshaft Wear Thoughts
After my old engine failed its rod bearings, I got a replacement lower mileage engine and ran it for a season of autocross. I was short on time so I just popped it in and ran it. I was told it had the retainers updated before I ran it for the season and I trusted in that.
This year I popped off the valve cover to do my valve adjustment and noticed the cam looks to have some wear. I can't catch my fingernails on anything but I can feel a slight roughness. most of the valves were within spec, a couple were slightly loose
and a couple were slightly tight.
When I compare it to the cam lobes on my blown engine, it looks as though my old cam was wearing better. I'm now debating whether I should put my old cam in this engine, though with the rod bearing failure, I'm not sure how the cam journals look yet. Another note is I had some silver mush stuck to the oil pan magnet when doing the oil change which I believe seems like wear from the cam lobes.
I forgot to inspect the retainers to see if they are new or if they are failed, that's my first step tonight.
Old Cams from spun bearing engine
Cams from engine in car
Worst Lobe, can't feel the mark though. Exhaust low lift lobe.
Metal from magnetic drain plug
Second opinions? Leave well enough alone, run it, re-check wear next season?
This year I popped off the valve cover to do my valve adjustment and noticed the cam looks to have some wear. I can't catch my fingernails on anything but I can feel a slight roughness. most of the valves were within spec, a couple were slightly loose
and a couple were slightly tight.
When I compare it to the cam lobes on my blown engine, it looks as though my old cam was wearing better. I'm now debating whether I should put my old cam in this engine, though with the rod bearing failure, I'm not sure how the cam journals look yet. Another note is I had some silver mush stuck to the oil pan magnet when doing the oil change which I believe seems like wear from the cam lobes.
I forgot to inspect the retainers to see if they are new or if they are failed, that's my first step tonight.
Old Cams from spun bearing engine
Cams from engine in car
Worst Lobe, can't feel the mark though. Exhaust low lift lobe.
Metal from magnetic drain plug
Second opinions? Leave well enough alone, run it, re-check wear next season?
Last edited by Swift_Striker; 04-18-2023 at 05:19 AM.
#2
Join Date: Nov 2007
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Check to make sure the retainers aren't cracked. Use an inspection mirror or camera to look at the valve facing side.
#3
What oil is being used,looks like they are getting too hot.
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windhund116 (04-18-2023)
#4
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#6
The dark marks are indicative of burnishing. Like Billman said you're fine. The burnishing is caused by the metal folding at a microscopic level in one direction only. Since the cams only rotate in one direction some burnishing is normal, especially on the exhaust side.
Burnishing (metal) - Wikipedia
Burnishing (metal) - Wikipedia
Last edited by Slowcrash_101; 04-18-2023 at 04:27 PM.
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#7
Thanks for the extra opinions all.
I run Castrol Edge10W30 Full Synthetic. I don't lap it, just 8 autocross days per year. It's changed once per year (about 2000mi)
I checked the retainers and confirmed the intakes are AP2 retainers and the exhaust are all fine. (all look like below)
Valves adjusted and ready for another year!
I run Castrol Edge10W30 Full Synthetic. I don't lap it, just 8 autocross days per year. It's changed once per year (about 2000mi)
I checked the retainers and confirmed the intakes are AP2 retainers and the exhaust are all fine. (all look like below)
Valves adjusted and ready for another year!
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#8
Just in case you didn't know, these photos are of the wrong side, if you are looking for cracks.
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/californ...ainers-847563/
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/californ...ainers-847563/
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windhund116 (04-19-2023)
#9
Just in case you didn't know, these photos are of the wrong side, if you are looking for cracks.
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/californ...ainers-847563/
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/californ...ainers-847563/
#10
Just in case you didn't know, these photos are of the wrong side, if you are looking for cracks.
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/californ...ainers-847563/
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/californ...ainers-847563/