Thread: What Camshaft Do I Have?

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Well-actually---------A flat tappet cam that is properly broken in can be switched between engines and lifters as long as the lifters are also properly broken in and/or new quality units. The issue is initial and continuing lubrication . assuming that the lifters are free to spin in the tappet bores and oil to the top of engine hasn't been reduced and/or oil routing hasn't been compremised.
The act of reducing oil flow to the lifter galleys in engines like the sbc/bbc drasticly reduces flow to the top of the push rod which then runs down to lube top of lifter.
Another scene is that on lots of builds the know it alls(computer geeks) will install off shore rod/crank packages that have inadequate side clearance for oil flow thru the bearings and sling off to the lower cylinder walls and camshaft bottom. Thes new free shipping rods also no longer have the side squirter holes for spraying up into the lower block. And then also, everyone wants a oil pan that has windage trays, scoopers, etc---------many issues that kill off the oiling of the engines that has been around since they developed the spark plug.


Most dangerous words in aviation-------"Watch this"



Seems I've been hacked on my e mail address from someone in Vietnam---------don't open any e mail from me for a while til I get it cleared----Jerry

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

Well-actually---------A flat tappet cam that is properly broken in can be switched between engines and lifters as long as the lifters are also properly broken in and/or new quality units. The issue is initial and continuing lubrication . assuming that the lifters are free to spin in the tappet bores and oil to the top of engine hasn't been reduced and/or oil routing hasn't been compremised.

Good word, Jerry - I've reused a cam, lifters and push rods in the same engine and always made sure everything went back in it's original spot without issue. Never tried to put used cam in a different block, but your logic (as always) is sound and it makes sense if properly seasoned in another block.

A question - have you seen significant wear pattern(s) on the cam bearings that may impact placing a used cam in a different block with new bearings?

Love these kind of discussions thread and this ol' dog is always wanting to learn some new tricks!
Glenn