Human nature wants to blame others for mistakes (talking about me). I bought a cam once and wiped out the fuel pump lobe because I used the wrong fuel pump rod.
The original cam was a roller from GMPP. I then decided I wanted to try a bigger cam from a private company. It was a roller as well; I used the same fuel pump rod (safe assumption I presumed). It chewed it down in a matter of seconds probably. (For the record I did consult the grinder on what I need to do for installing it.) At first I didn't understand why it happened so I assumed it was an error in the hardening process. Well after some time I discovered that GM grinds their rollers on a stronger/harder bullet (or so I assume they do). I put the new cam in with the understanding that all I need to do was switch camshafts. Well I was wrong; I needed a lighter fuel rod as well.
So my lesson was learned. Don't take anything for granted, even the little things. And ask several people on what needs to be done to make components work together.
My friends SBC 355 have eaten 2 cams in the last month. We honestly no understanding why. At this point it doesn't really matter because he's going to buy a new short block (his decision not mine).
Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had some good luck with them. Heck I even showed a guy who had been drag racing for quite sometime how to degree one. But when they don’t work right it leaves a mess.
So that's my little story about camshafts. They are interesting components. So interesting it seems like most the post on this board are tied into camshafts in one form or another. But they can be a real pain in the a** when they don't work right. Or if the installer doesn’t know what their doing
Worked as a machinist and built a lot of motors over the years..I have been out of the loop about 8 years..Just built a new motor for my 82 Suburban and plan to put it in this week..I see allot of posts about wiping cam lobes any particular reason why ??
