Is This Camshaft Reusable? Or Too Pitted?

[jmo2610]

This is in relation to my engine knock thread. Before I pull the other head, I'd love y'all's opinion on this cam. This is a pretty expensive decision for me to go any further (especially if not needed). Is this cam too pitted to reuse?

Note: The other thread relating to cams in this forum didn't have a pic that would load, so I didn't have anything to compare to. Sorry for a similar question.

 

[Geotrash]

This is in relation to my engine knock thread. Before I pull the other head, I'd love y'all's opinion on this cam. This is a pretty expensive decision for me to go any further (especially if not needed). Is this cam too pitted to reuse?

Note: The other thread relating to cams in this forum didn't have a pic that would load, so I didn't have anything to compare to. Sorry for a similar question.

In my amateur opinion, yes, it's too pitted to reuse. What I see in the video is the early stages of spalling of the lobes, and that only goes one way: progression to failure over time.

Replacing the cam adds labor and expense, of course, but you will have more faith in the results over the long haul.

 

[tooleyondeck]

If you got the head off I assume you're already replacing the lifters, it's not much more work to get the timing cover off to swap the cam. I would say go ahead and replace it. Without knowing what engine I'm looking at or whether that is a VVT cam or not there are several options out there for you. Looks like you have some mechanical inclination to get that deep into the engine, so go ahead and do it right while you have the chance.

 

[RST Dana]

If the word pit is included as part of the description related to your question, then it’s time to shop for new stuff.

 

[petethepug]

Yup, you’re either watching a movie or getting a new cam if you’re talking about pit.

 

[jmo2610]

If you got the head off I assume you're already replacing the lifters, it's not much more work to get the timing cover off to swap the cam. I would say go ahead and replace it. Without knowing what engine I'm looking at or whether that is a VVT cam or not there are several options out there for you. Looks like you have some mechanical inclination to get that deep into the engine, so go ahead and do it right while you have the chance.

Well, I'd say taking out the radiator and water pump and timing cover is a considerable amount more work. It's an L94 6.2 Vortec 6200

 

[jmo2610]

If the word pit is included as part of the description related to your question, then it’s time to shop for new stuff.

Ugh. I mean, that's a logical answer. But I don't like it.

 

[Geotrash]

Well, I'd say taking out the radiator and water pump and timing cover is a considerable amount more work. It's an L94 6.2 Vortec 6200

Yeah, but you can do a full DoD delete that way and never have to worry about a lifter failure again.

 

[j91z28d1]

I still say wipe the lobe clean and redo video. the oil isn't making it look good forsure

 

[Blackcar]

Got picture of roller lifter that came out of that position.

 

[Dustin Jackson]

I imagine the parts of the cam that contact the bearing are even worse.

 

[jmo2610]

Got picture of roller lifter that came out of that position.

Yep. Here's the pic. And video of me rolling it.

 

[donjetman]

@jmo2610
Yes that lifter is bad
so
the camshaft is most likely bad too.

 

[Blackcar]

Yep. Here's the pic. And video of me rolling it.

After looking at the lifter I would replace cam but doing that all lifters should be replaced then after that you have to wonder about doing a complete VVT delete.

 

[Geotrash]

After looking at the lifter I would replace cam but doing that all lifters should be replaced then after that you have to wonder about doing a complete VVT delete.

All that’s left is the radiator, water pump and timing cover at that point. Maybe another hour of disassembly (only one or two beers) since you had to drain the coolant to get the heads off anyway. Granted, there is an escalating parts cost and I don’t know your finances, but the smart money in the long term is with new lifters, OEM trays, and a good sleeper cam for durability.

I’m really happy with my setup since I did the DoD delete back in 2021. I have to remember to keep my foot out of it or passengers get whiplash pulling away from a light.

Also, I’m always happy to help others spend their money.

 

[jmo2610]

After looking at the lifter I would replace cam but doing that all lifters should be replaced then after that you have to wonder about doing a complete VVT delete.

Well yeah. If I'm taking the cam out, then I'm doing the whole delete. I just don't want to take the cam out.

 

[Geotrash]

Well yeah. If I'm taking the cam out, then I'm doing the whole delete. I just don't want to take the cam out.

Yup, I totally get it. All we can do is answer your questions to the best of our knowledge and share what we would do in the same situation (most of us have been there. I have 3x now, but that's another story). But it's your time and money so you get to decide what's best for your circumstances. Happy to help with whatever I can as you go.

 

[tooleyondeck]

Yup, you’re either watching a movie or getting a new cam if you’re talking about pit.

"Correcto!"

 

[jmo2610]

Okay so the local-ish shop that sells DOD Delete kits said there's a nationwide shortage in the 6.2 stock non-DOD cams (he's right, I can't find them anywhere online), and he said it's fine to put a 5.3 cam in. Do you guys agree with that?

 

[Geotrash]

Okay so the local-ish shop that sells DOD Delete kits said there's a nationwide shortage in the 6.2 stock non-DOD cams (he's right, I can't find them anywhere online), and he said it's fine to put a 5.3 cam in. Do you guys agree with that?

Will it run? Yes. Will that 5.3 cam take advantage of the rectangular port high flowing heads? Nope. You’ll lose power.

I played this game a few years ago. The reason I picked the cam motion stage two truck cam, is because it’s ground specifically for the 6.2. It’s non-VVT, but it is an absolute beast, with a smooth idle, so it plays nice with a stock converter.