Engine Performance This section is for discussion on all engine building related questions.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: KPower

100 mile break in checkup, odd cam wear?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-06-2016, 01:06 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
Onyxyth's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Boyertown, PA
Posts: 735
Total Cats: 62
Default 100 mile break in checkup, odd cam wear?

Hey guys, I put a little over 100 miles on my freshly built motor this week and I'm in the middle of changing the oil (posting from my phone).

I noticed an oval pattern on the cam lobes, is that normal? I googled it quick and there was some disagreement on other forums. These are bp4w cams out of a car with 130k. Running Pennzoil's SAE 30 for the first few oil changes.

While we're at it, anything else I should check on? I retorqued the head (65ftlb) already since it's been through a few heat cycles.

If I'm being paranoid, just tell me to shut up and drive it.

Thanks guys.
Attached Thumbnails 100 mile break in checkup, odd cam wear?-img_20160806_122715.jpg   100 mile break in checkup, odd cam wear?-img_20160806_122735_1.jpg   100 mile break in checkup, odd cam wear?-img_20160806_122757.jpg  
Onyxyth is offline  
Old 08-06-2016, 06:44 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
Onyxyth's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Boyertown, PA
Posts: 735
Total Cats: 62
Default

I dug around a bit more after I got home and this appears to be totally normal. GFM.
Onyxyth is offline  
Old 08-07-2016, 04:52 PM
  #3  
Elite Member
iTrader: (15)
 
Midtenn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Murfreesboro,TN
Posts: 2,042
Total Cats: 265
Default

I have two VVT heads that have cam wear identical to that. I am still cautious of it, but I can't seem to find out why it happens.
Midtenn is offline  
Old 08-07-2016, 11:23 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
Onyxyth's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Boyertown, PA
Posts: 735
Total Cats: 62
Default

I'm going to keep an eye on it for sure. I was looking for any signs of oil contamination, etc. From what I googled this is work-hardening of the cam lobes. Probably worse with heavy springs.
Onyxyth is offline  
Old 08-08-2016, 01:02 PM
  #5  
Elite Member
iTrader: (15)
 
Midtenn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Murfreesboro,TN
Posts: 2,042
Total Cats: 265
Default

I went back through my emails and found where the a Spec Miata engine builder told me it was possibly the cam journals going bad. I inspected them and nothing was out of spec. I ended up buying a machined head from him, that has the cam journals line bored and they show the same wear pattern.
Midtenn is offline  
Old 08-08-2016, 08:35 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
TNTUBA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga, Tn
Posts: 1,234
Total Cats: 283
Default

My Kelford Cams look just like that, I have 3 stock heads on the bench...they all look like that. Don't sweat it.
TNTUBA is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Damon Sharp
Meet and Greet
2
04-18-2016 03:44 AM
Alpod
Miata parts for sale/trade
12
04-08-2016 05:11 PM
Themiataproject2k16
Meet and Greet
3
03-14-2016 04:07 PM
pinoykid1307
Meet and Greet
4
03-09-2016 09:37 PM
Philip
Front Desk
15
01-16-2006 02:27 AM



Quick Reply: 100 mile break in checkup, odd cam wear?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:33 PM.