What causes cam failure?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 1
What causes cam failure?
Noticing some threads of aftermarket performance cams that have been pulled and noticed to be chewed up, metal in the engine, etc. Is this a screwed up install or does the cam swap come with additional risks that aren't openly discussed. I know dual springs are a no-brainer but other than a dropped valve what is the potential for a problem?
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 672
Likes: 1
From: Sapulpa Oklahoma
Most of these threads refer to flat tappet cams, not rollers. With recent changes in chemistry in engine oils to meet government emission requirements, the oils don't provide needed lubricity for the lifter/lobe break in procedure for older styled engines. The use of oils such as Delo or Rotella and GM EOS will help to prevent the failure on startup. These products still have the 'old' formulas and seem to prevent the dreaded first time startup failure.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 125
From: laguna niguel ca
billet cams, hardened cam lobes, plus roller lifters, equals no cam failures that I've ever heard of on LS type motors. If they exist at all there very rare. I think a cam my simply break in two before they would go flat as they say.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 18,396
Likes: 169
Like they say, cam failures are pretty darn rare these days, with roller lifters. Extreme valve spring pressure is one source of potential cause, but they usually cause the roller to fail first. I'd speculate that it could be improper adjustment. However, when they do fail, is a royal PITA, for sure.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 1
Like they say, cam failures are pretty darn rare these days, with roller lifters. Extreme valve spring pressure is one source of potential cause, but they usually cause the roller to fail first. I'd speculate that it could be improper adjustment. However, when they do fail, is a royal PITA, for sure.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 1
From: NJ..."the way I saw it, everyone takes a beating sometimes."
As long as the cam is porperly installed with the necessary valvetrain upgrades, I don't see there being many failures. I would trust an aftermarket cam in my engine more than I would aftermarket rockers. JMO
HOOK-EM HORNS
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,517
Likes: 842
From: Port Aransas, Texas Tx
St. Jude Donor '08
Most of these threads refer to flat tappet cams, not rollers. With recent changes in chemistry in engine oils to meet government emission requirements, the oils don't provide needed lubricity for the lifter/lobe break in procedure for older styled engines. The use of oils such as Delo or Rotella and GM EOS will help to prevent the failure on startup. These products still have the 'old' formulas and seem to prevent the dreaded first time startup failure.
You must use an oil with zinc etc. to break in a new cam on an old engine and I would do this for sure on a new engine as well.
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