Suspect Crack in reground cam lobe (pic)

[Fishcop]

I've just got my camshafts back from a well respected camshaft grinder and reconditioner over here in Australia. There is a visible crack across the hard-facing on one lobe that I can feel with a thumb-nail and a smaller hair-line fissure running across the lobe nearby.

I have emailed them the photo and recieved a phone response telling me that it will be fine and that sometimes this happens but it will not fail...

Does anyone have input on this? I know there some respected engineers and camgrinders on this board, and I'd love your opinions.



Sorry the quality is not 100%, but the fact that it is still so visible worries me. I've spared nothing on this rebuild and done everything "right", I'd hate to have this let me down in a catastrophic way

[350HP930]

It 'might' be OK but the fact its on the ramp of the lobe would worry me too.

[Fishcop]

I should have noted that it is on the "back" of the ramp....

[Wayne 962]

What is the pitting/cracking on the lobe here too?

Frankly, I would send it back to them. Otherwise, you will be guessing for the rest of your engine's life if that will fail or not. Don't accept poor work and even pooer excuses...

Just my opinion...

-Wayne

[Fishcop]

Thanks Wayne, agreed. You have great eyes, there is indeed a deep "pocket" under the crack, but because I didn't think anyone would pick it I left it out of the post.

As a respected workshop, I am pleased to have recieved an email from them acknowledging my concern and willingness to review the camshaft and their work. I will send it back.

[Wayne 962]

Originally posted by Fishcop
As a respected workshop, I am pleased to have recieved an email from them acknowledging my concern and willingness to review the camshaft and their work. I will send it back.

Not sure if Austrailia is the same as the US, but this type of support has become increasingly rare here (except from Pelican!)

-Wayne

[camgrinder]

The crack accross the flank of the cam (the 1st pic) happens once in a while. It is easily repaired. If you see cracks that are not in the weld replace the camshaft core.
The line along side the lobe is where the weld meets the original cam lobe.

[Fishcop]

Thanks for your input John. Without putting words in your mouth... would you say that I should get it repaired, or that it is probably okay ?

Thanks again

[camgrinder]

If I had a crack in the weld , I would fix it before I sent it out. I repair a fair amount of used up racing cams that had been welded in the past. I never see failures from the type of crack shown in the picture. However I dont have your cam in front of me to inspect.
When in doubt fix it.

Pm me with who did it. I might know them and can give you some advice.