worn cam lobes
 

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?

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

Re: worn cam lobes
 

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Re: worn cam lobes
 

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