Used camshafts

tubman

tubman

Well-known member
There have been a few threads about camshafts lately, some of them concerning used camshafts. What should one do if they find a good used camshaft, either with no lifters or the originals mixed up? There has been some strong statements about NOT using new lifters on a used cam. I have to believe that random used lifters would be an even worse choice (maybe not?). It is starting to sound like a used camshaft, no matter how good shape it's in, is not a desirable item unless it comes with the original lifters matched to the proper lobes.
 
I almost posted a question yesterday asking what is it with new lifters on a used cam? If it's a mistake, I bet it happened a lot.
 
If you want to do it by the book the lifters get resurfaced and the cam gets polished.
Curious why a cam that checks out ok can´t be reused with a new set of lifters...
 
I don't know where that came from, but new lifters CAN be used with a used cam, as can resurfaced lifters. Also, good used lifters can be used with a used and new cam. Just don't use used lifters with a new or used cam, unles, they have an appropriate radius. Speaking my opinion, your entitled to disagree.
 
Nothing wrong with using a used camshaft. Have your machine shop inspect it and polish it. I have always put a used camshaft in my rebuilds with new lifters.
 
tubman said:
There have been a few threads about camshafts lately, some of them concerning used camshafts. What should one do if they find a good used camshaft, either with no lifters or the originals mixed up? There has been some strong statements about NOT using new lifters on a used cam. I have to believe that random used lifters would be an even worse choice (maybe not?). It is starting to sound like a used camshaft, no matter how good shape it's in, is not a desirable item unless it comes with the original lifters matched to the proper lobes.
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If I had a good used cam I would send it to a cam grinder Like Schneider and have the lobes checked for wear and let them Parkerize the cam and than put the new lifters in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You can do anything you want.
You can run olive oil in your crankcase.
You can run 7up in your radiator.
You can run tap water in your battery.

You can mix new and used lifters on new and used cams.
The car will still run but it is not the best thing to do.
You might get away with it for a long time but at least 30% will fail early.(As noted from 65 years of watching it happen)
It has to do with wear in. You wouldn't lap a valve to one seat and then install it in another hole.

Another point, there is no such thing as "polishing" lobes in the real world. You can call it anything you want but the lobes are ground. The journals are polished.
 
Pete said:
You can do anything you want.
You can run olive oil in your crankcase.
You can run 7up in your radiator.
You can run tap water in your battery.
Click to expand...

This is a keeper, think I will save it to my collection of favorite sayings! :)
 
cas3 said:
where can i get a good deal on olive oil?
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Don't let this guy know you're askin . :D:eek:
 

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Boy, I don't know; I've been using tap water in batteries for over 50 years and never saw any ill effects. Now, in the days of Optima's, it's a moot point.
 
I just put a used cam that I had my machine shop clean and inspect in a 40 ford engine with new lifters. Guess it wont last.
 
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Seth, I have to ask; how many camshaft failures have you had with your rebuilds? None, I'll bet. This site still is fun; you just have to become a little curmudgeon-proof.
 
Pete is a very knowledgeable guy (among many others on the Barn). There is a pattern of when someone with in-depth knowledge attempts to share a little a ton of people start posting how they have done whatever for years and it works just fine! We need to decided if we are interested in tapping in to the wealth of knowledge available or if the real question is "what is the most I can get by with until I cause major damage". There is an endless stream of stories about how someone has done such in such and got away with it. In my life I have seen some fairly unbelievable things done on and to car that people have "gotten away with". Some are outright dangerous and some are just damaging and some are just poor practice. Myself, when folks like Pete post, I pay attention!! And there are many others that post here that deserve the same respect from me at least. There is really no where on earth you can get the type of information and knowledge that is available here. But I am starting to notice some of these Barners are posting less and less, and it may have to do with the endless add-on post about how the information provided is wrong because I have gotten away with it for years. I know a lot of what people get a way with, I see it all the time. I for one am interested in what is the best approach from someone with the experience and knowledge. The next up on the list is if someone attempts to point out why a particular issue is important, they are arrogant because they do not see the benefit of half-assing something. I just hope the ones with the information to share hang in there. I love hearing from experienced posters and absorbing what little I can!
 
JS well said, one of the best posts for 2018 bar none. There is a vast amount of knowledge here to be had for free and some don't realize that. That is my 2¢ and there u go.

Ronnie
 
JS, I'm with you. I've been reading this forum long enough to recognize that there are a few here the know what they are talking about and I respect their knowledge and willingness to share with the rest of us. I could name some but I don't want to leave anyone out. I especially appreciate it when I'm told "why" it is right or wrong. I incorporate their knowledge to best of MY ability. Most of us don't put large numbers of miles on our cars and something "half-a$$ed" might not show up for as long as we live, but it might show up tomorrow. Why not do it the best you can? Maybe not perfect, but working on it.
 
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