Cam lobe damage--advice?

[krahm]

I've got what looks like some pitting on at least three camshaft lobes (16V engine). Only really noticeable on one, though. I'm pretty much a novice when it comes to engine mechanics, so I'd appreciate some advice.

What's the cause? I read somewhere that this is a sign that an engine has been sitting. I don't understand the cause/effect of that.

Is this a sign of impending disaster/am I looking at a head rebuild?

If a rebuild is in order, can I drive the car for a while or would that be asking for trouble?

Thanks!

[AFJuvat]

I wouldn't worry about it too much - are the pits on the center of the lobe or more towards the ends?

How deep is the big one?

If worst comes to worst, you can have the cams hard welded and reground, or you could get a set of used cams.

AFJuvat

[fast924S]

Pitting happens when The engine sits for a long time and rust builts up on the parts, Then when you drive it all the rust comes off and leaves pits. The proper way to tell if your cams are ok would be to measure the cam lobes, Got any pics of your cams?? Also unless its really bad pitting, to the point where you think it would effect the strenght of the cam then I would just run with it. Unless you wanna put some sweet cams in there but it will be alot of $$$$

[krahm]

Thanks for the info. I can't get a clear photo, but I don't think the pitting is too deep yet. In most spots, it doesn't seem to be following any sort of pattern. On the worst one, it runs across the "leading edge" of the tip. I guess I'll drive on it. I just wanted to make sure that this didn't have anything to do with a valve system problem--sticking valve or weak valve spring, that sort of thing.