worn cam lobes

[yelcab1]

I am working on this engine from a 914-6. The cam shafts are both worn at the lobes for cal 3 and 6 to the point where you can feel a ridge where the material has been worn away by the rocker arm contact points. Given the replacement new cams are expensive, can I just take these to a grinder and say clean this up ? Is there any hardening of surface required after cleaning?

[HawgRyder]

If the lobes are worn down...you may have to have them built up with weld before regrinding...to keep the profile and height correct.
Bob

[Lapkritis]

Check the oil feed tube for blockage in the tower especially near the worn lobes. Compressed air/fluid to the feed fitting should make blockage evident.

-Andrew

[Green993]

Elgin Cams in Santa Rosa did a very nice job and very fast turnaround on my 993 cams. They did a regrind and hardening for about $400 + Shipping.

[KTL]

Agree Elgin is a good source for a regrind.


Good advice regarding the spray bars. The holes in the cam spray tube are so small that I don't like risking blockage by just shooting some solvent or air thru them. Best to pull the plugs by drilling & tapping them for an M6 screw and then draw them out with a "puller" arrangement. I use a deep 10mm socket and some washers to use the M6 screw as a puller.

Once you get the tube out you can get a good look in there and clean out any crud. I always seem to find something lurking in there.

[safe]

Originally Posted by yelcab1

I am working on this engine from a 914-6. The cam shafts are both worn at the lobes for cal 3 and 6 to the point where you can feel a ridge where the material has been worn away by the rocker arm contact points. Given the replacement new cams are expensive, can I just take these to a grinder and say clean this up ? Is there any hardening of surface required after cleaning?

What kind of engine, wasn't most 914-6 T engined?
If so a used good cam is dirt cheap.

[yelcab1]

I am leaning to a used good cams route. Regriding at $400 vs $100 for used cams...

[KTL]

True there's a good savings in used vs. regrind. Just be wary. Some people's idea of good used may be no better than what you've already got. Been burned quite a few times by people's ignorance about what is truly good condition. Just my opinion.

[Lapkritis]

And be aware of the impact on the rocker pads if the profile doesn't match perfectly to the previous cam profile.